August 13, 2024

Can Hitting Your Head Cause Blurred Vision?

People often experience blurry vision after brain trauma, especially from a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In fact, about 90% of patients with a traumatic brain injury will experience some visual symptoms…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

women with head wrapped in gauzePeople often experience blurry vision after brain trauma, especially from a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In fact, about 90% of patients with a traumatic brain injury will experience some visual symptoms that can negatively affect their quality of life.

Fortunately, neuro-optometric therapy can offer relief to many patients with severe head injuries. If you’ve sustained a brain injury, contact Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria to find out how we can help restore your vision and quality of life.

How Can Hitting Your Head Affect Your Vision?

While some minor head injuries result in nothing more than a bump or bruise, in more serious head injuries, known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), the brain impacts against the hard skull, often with powerful force. This impact can damage fragile nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Since 70% of our brain is responsible for visual processing, it?s no surprise that a TBI can cause blurred vision and other uncomfortable post-injury visual symptoms, such as:

  • Headaches
  • Eyestrain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dizziness
  • Poor hand-eye coordination
  • Double vision
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems

Why You Should Schedule an Appointment with a Neuro-Optometrist

When a head injury occurs, vision problems often take a backseat to more urgent concerns, such as relieving pressure on the brain or treating lacerations to the head or face. But that doesn?t mean vision problems can or should be ignored. Any vision problems related to a head injury can severely affect a person?s ability to work, study, drive and carry out day-to-day tasks.

A neuro-optometrist diagnoses and treats a whole range of communication problems between the visual system and the brain caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), physical disabilities or other neurological conditions, such as a stroke, Parkinson?s disease or multiple sclerosis.

Can Vision Be Restored After a Head Injury?

Yes, especially with the help of neuro-optometric rehabilitation. The first step is scheduling a functional eye exam with your neuro-optometrist. During the exam your eye doctor will test the following visual skills:

  • Eye teaming
  • Eye tracking
  • Eye focusing
  • Visual processing
  • Peripheral vision
  • Spatial awareness
  • Lazy eye and eye turns

What Is Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation?

Once your neuro-optometrist has diagnosed your condition, they will prescribe a customized program to relieve your symptoms. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a scientifically proven treatment plan that helps strengthen the functioning of the neurologically damaged visual system. The program relies on the brain?s neuroplasticity to improve the communication between the brain and the eyes.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy involves in-session training and at-home exercises that will help restore normal vision. These may include:

  • Customized program of eye exercises
  • Prism glasses that help the brain and eyes to work together
  • Computer-assisted eye exercises
  • Corrective eye patches

Want to see clearly again after a head injury? Schedule an appointment by contacting Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria today!

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

Frequently Asked Questions with Scott Irvine, O.D.

Q: How Long Does Blurred Vision Last After a Head Injury?

  • A: Although blurry vision sometimes goes away a couple of weeks after a head injury, it?s best not to leave it to chance, hoping visual problems will correct on their own. If you experience any vision problems after a head injury, it?s recommended to schedule an appointment with a neuro-optometrist. Neuro-optometric therapy can often correct blurry vision long-term by dealing with the root cause of your vision problems following a TBI.

Q: Is a Traumatic Brain Injury the Same as a Concussion?

  • A: A TBI is damage to the brain caused by impact. A concussion is considered a milder type of TBI. However, even a mild concussion can cause significant vision problems.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
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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.