August 13, 2024

Concussions & Vision Problems After a Car Accident

While a car accident can impact our lives in an instant, its effects on our eyes and vision may not be detected until later. That?s why it?s important to be aware of the ways a…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

woman sitting in front of her broken carWhile a car accident can impact our lives in an instant, its effects on our eyes and vision may not be detected until later.

That?s why it?s important to be aware of the ways a concussion ? a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) ? caused by a car collision can affect the eyes. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI, make an appointment with Dr. Cameron McCrodan or Dr. Scott Irvine at Victoria as soon as possible.

If a problem is detected, you may benefit from vision therapy, a program designed to strengthen the visual system and help recover visual skills.

How Often Do Concussions and Vision Problems Occur After Collisions?

While it’s known that concussions cause headaches, many people aren?t aware of the negative effects a TBI can have on one’s vision.

Concussions are considered minor TBIs, but this doesn?t mean that the problems associated with concussions are minor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 75% of TBIs are concussions.

Furthermore, 90% of people who suffer concussions after external impacts such as a car accident experience vision problems. Vehicular accidents, serious falls and sports injuries are some of the leading causes of TBIs, including concussions.

The Connection Between Concussions, TBIs and Vision Problems

A concussion or other TBI may disrupt the communication between the eyes and the brain. The sufferer may experience some or all of the following:

  • Double vision
  • Headaches
  • Eye fatigue involving visual activities, such as reading
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of visual field
  • Problems with eye convergence: the inability to point both eyes to the same place at the same time
  • Eye tracking problems
  • Accommodative insufficiency ? the inability to focus on near objects

A TBI can also cause a range of eye emergencies that require urgent medical attention, including:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Optical nerve damage
  • Vitreous hemorrhage

This is why it?s so important to have a comprehensive functional eye exam following a car accident to detect any potential eye damage, diagnose vision problems and recommend a course of treatment.

Treating Vision Problems Associated with Concussions or TBIs

To diagnose and treat vision problems following a car accident, it is important to seek out a neuro-optometrist, an eye doctor or who is specially trained to treat eye problems associated with the nervous system.

The neuro-optometrist will examine the patient?s eyes and visual system following a car accident or other type of traumatic brain injury. This eye exam is beyond the standard 20/20 sight test, as it also assesses the accuracy of eye movements and many other visual skills.

If the vision problem is connected to neurological damage or brain injury, the neuro-optometrist will determine the specific visual issues and prescribe an appropriate form of treatment to address the underlying problem.

The eye doctor may prescribe specific glasses, including prism lenses or a program of neuro-optometric rehabilitation, a customized program of in-office and at-home exercises to strengthen the visual system and aid in the patient?s recovery.

If you have been involved in a car accident or may have experienced any type of traumatic brain injury, contact  Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance today for a comprehensive vision evaluation and treatment program.

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
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  • Monday:
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  • Thursday:
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  • Friday:
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  • Saturday:
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  • Sunday:
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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.)
  • 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:
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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.