Vision problems that occur after a brain injury can range from being very subtle to dramatic. The more subtle vision disorders can often be the most frustrating because they are not detectable with imaging/MRI and require very specialized vision testing to detect. Patients often feel as though no one believes them.
Double vision is a common occurrence after stroke or head injury and can often be more severe for those who have suffered multiple concussions. It is vital to the rehabilitation process that double vision is treated as soon as possible; otherwise the overall rehabilitation will be significantly delayed. Double vision can cause problems with:
- Handwriting and/or reading
- Anxiety with visual tasks
- Reach and grab inaccuracies because of impaired depth perception
- Balance and movement difficulties like drifting when walking, stumbling or falling
- Anxiety with motion that is occurring in your side vision (peripheral)
- Driving difficulties with lane positioning, proper speed maintenance, multitasking, navigation
People who suffer from concussion or other Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), Neuro-Developmental or Neuro-Degenerative Disorders commonly have various Functional Vision Problems leading to decreased performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Sometimes when one suffers a head injury their sense of where the middle of their body is can change. This can cause:
- Dizziness or nausea
- Spatial disorientation
- Consistently stays to one side of hallway or room
- Bumps into objects when walking
- Poor walking or posture: leans back on heels, forward, or to one side when walking, standing or seated in a chair
- Perception of the floor being tilted
- Associated neuromotor difficulties with balance, coordination and posture
Vision problems associated with brain injuries can be disabling and increase dependency as well as risk of secondary injury unless treated.
Treatment can involve special therapeutic lenses (worn similar to glasses) or may involve a more in-depth program. Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitative Therapy is a non-invasive process for the rehabilitation of visual, perceptual, and motor disorders. Individualized programs working one on one with a Vision Therapist, one can learn how to regain control of your vision.
If you or a loved one has had a head injury, please give or office a call.