A concussion or traumatic brain injury can affect much more than memory, concentration, or balance. Because so much of the brain is involved in processing visual information, an injury may also disrupt how the eyes focus, track, coordinate, and work with the brain. At Sunshine Vision Development Center in Natick, MA, we provide specialized evaluations and neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation for patients experiencing vision-related symptoms following a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome, or PCS, refers to symptoms that continue after the initial concussion. Recovery varies from person to person. Some people improve relatively quickly, while others continue experiencing symptoms that interfere with reading, working, driving, using digital devices, or completing everyday activities.
Vision problems may be one part of post-concussion syndrome. Even someone who can see clearly on a standard eye chart may have difficulty with visual skills that depend on communication between the eyes and brain.
Vision Problems After a Concussion
A traumatic brain injury can interfere with several aspects of visual function. Symptoms that may indicate a post-concussion vision problem include:
Blurred or double vision
Headaches or eye strain
Difficulty focusing while reading
Words appearing to move or become unstable
Dizziness or motion sensitivity
Light sensitivity
Difficulty tracking moving objects
Problems with depth perception or balance
Visual fatigue when using computers or phones
These symptoms can make returning to school, work, sports, and normal daily routines more difficult.
Evaluating Post-Concussion Vision Problems
At Sunshine Vision Development Center in Natick, we look beyond visual acuity to evaluate how efficiently the visual system is functioning. A Functional Vision Evaluation may assess abilities such as eye teaming, focusing, tracking, depth perception, and visual processing.
Identifying specific areas of visual dysfunction helps us determine whether neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation may be appropriate as part of the patient's overall recovery plan. Post-concussion vision care is intended to address visual problems associated with the injury and does not replace appropriate medical evaluation or treatment for the traumatic brain injury itself.
Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation
Neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation is a personalized treatment approach designed to help improve visual skills that have been disrupted by a concussion or other neurological injury. Treatment is based on the patient's symptoms and evaluation findings rather than using the same program for everyone.
Therapy may involve structured visual activities that work on eye coordination, focusing, tracking, visual processing, and the connection between vision and balance or spatial awareness. Specialized lenses or prisms may also be considered when appropriate. The goal is to help the visual system function more efficiently so daily activities become more comfortable and manageable.
When to Seek a Post-Concussion Vision Evaluation
If visual symptoms continue after a concussion, a specialized vision evaluation can help determine whether problems with eye coordination, focusing, tracking, or visual processing are contributing to ongoing difficulties. Patients in Natick and surrounding communities who are struggling with persistent visual symptoms may benefit from having these areas assessed as part of their recovery.
If you or a loved one is experiencing ongoing vision problems following a concussion or traumatic brain injury, schedule an evaluation with Sunshine Vision Development Center to discuss personalized post-concussion vision rehabilitation in Natick, MA.
Sunshine Vision Development Center
117 W. Central St., Unit 207
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: (508) 519-3800