August 13, 2024

Concussions: A Hidden Cause of Vision Difficulties

Concussions are a common injury, caused by a blow to the head that results in the brain colliding with the inside of the skull.  While most people are aware of the immediate symptoms of a…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

ConcussionsConcussions are a common injury, caused by a blow to the head that results in the brain colliding with the inside of the skull. 

While most people are aware of the immediate symptoms of a concussion, such as a headache, dizziness, and confusion ? many don?t know that concussions can also lead to long-term vision difficulties.

At Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria, we treat vision problems caused by concussions and other neurological conditions. 

Types of Concussions

Concussions are classified into two main categories: mild (grade 1) and severe (grade 2 or 3).

Mild concussions are the most common type and cause temporary changes in brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion and dizziness. These symptoms often go away within 7-10 days.

Severe concussions can cause long-term symptoms, including confusion, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and headaches. 

Both types of concussions can cause vision problems that may impact your quality of life. 

Vision Problems Associated with Concussions

One of the most common vision problems associated with concussions is double vision. It occurs because the eyes become misaligned and send 2 distinct images to the brain. The brain and eye muscles struggle to create one clear image. 

Traumatic brain injuries, including a concussion, can also cause depth perception problems, which makes judging distances and navigating stairs or uneven surfaces a challenge. 

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is another vision problem caused by concussions.  

Remember that not all people who have had a concussion will experience vision difficulties, but if you?ve had a concussion and now have visual symptoms, it?s time to be evaluated by a neuro-optometrist. 

Neuro-optometry helps patients with vision problems related to neurological deficits find relief from their debilitating symptoms. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a customized eye-brain therapy program that employs therapeutic lenses, prisms, filters and eye patches to help the eyes and brain work together more efficiently. 

Vision Problems? Find an Eye Doctor in Victoria

If you or someone you know has had a concussion, schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation at Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
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.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

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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.