August 13, 2024

A concussion changed my sister?s learning

One of the newest measurements of an athlete?s status after a hit in sports is if they can perform the same on an eye tracking test as pre-season. If they can?t, they are pulled from…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

One of the newest measurements of an athlete?s status after a hit in sports is if they can perform the same on an eye tracking test as pre-season. If they can?t, they are pulled from the game.

When I was in high school my younger sister sustained a concussion. Her ability to concentrate on school work decreased, and her grades suffered. She was affected by headaches, avoided schoolwork like the plague, and was always frustrated and angry by the end of the day.

Countless appointments were had with eye-doctors, specialists, tutoring centers, and nothing seemed to help. The concussion was forgotten, and we assumed that she wasn?t applying herself, or trying hard enough.

With what is now known about concussions, we understand that the areas of the brain responsible for the abilities of the eyes to work together, to focus, and to accurately track, are among the most likely to be impacted. The symptoms may be long lasting, and in many cases never go away.

In practice we?re beginning to see more and more cases of children and adults whose ability to learn, earn a living, or in some cases just survive day to day life, is impacted by the visual problems associated with a concussion (brain trauma).

Some of the symptoms can include:
Headaches
Dizziness/vertigo/balance
Nausea
Reduced reading comprehension
Inability to focus
Reduced hand eye coordination

Balance is an interesting one. As the triad of visual, vestibular, and proprioreceptive information makes up balance, anything that changes the relationship of how these are processed together can impact it. This is where we see referrals once vestibular treatment has plateaued. We also take referrals from our neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologist to manage the visual rehabilitation part of the treatment.

I have been able to help my sister. It took a long road to get here, and until I furthered my education after professional school ended, I never fully understood her situation, or that I could even help. I see children and adults, every day, who have lived with these issues for much longer than needed and every time I see it, it breaks my heart. When we can see the broken leg someone has, it?s obvious, and we can understand how hard things can be because of it. In everyday life, we don?t have a way to see how a person?s visual system is operating, and we generally offer no lenience for the limitations.

It?s important to understand that there is rehabilitation available for the vision problems that can arise after concussion or brain injury. If someone you know or love is affected, please ensure they seek treatment in their area.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
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Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
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  • Wednesday:
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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.