Vision Issues Post Brain Injury

How common are vision problems post ABI?

•      Studies have illustrated that 50-90% of individuals with ABI demonstrate visual dysfunction.

•      Underlying visual issues are common in people with post-concussion syndrome.

How can you tell if you have a problem with your vision?

      Ask yourself:

Understanding your visual symptoms:

Visual Acuity:  
How clearly we see things; our ability to focus our eyes

Visual Processing:  

Vision dysfunction can affect:

•      Attention

•      Concentration

•      Balance

•      Spatial orientation

Spatial Vision:

•    major contributions to the overall cognitive function

•    release from focalization for movement

•    frees up higher level process from postural organization and control

•    suppresses background info to allow for attention

Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS):

•        constellation of problems after brain insult

•        signs and symptoms may include:

•        efficiency is a huge problem

•        brain is working harder

•        difficulty with visual/vestibular integration

•        patients complain of fatigue, headaches, dizziness, difficulty driving or in busy environments

Physiotherapists with training and experience working with individuals who have vision issues post-concussion can guide you through treatments to help with integrating all of your systems.   They can also make the appropriate referral if necessary to an optometrist with special training in concussion related vision impairments and work with the optometrist’s recommendations.