Today, let’s delve into an often overlooked aspect of concussion recovery – Vision Therapy. We will study the connection between the brain and the eyes to understand how Vision Therapy helps.

Understanding Concussions and Their Effects

Concussions, also known as mild brain injuries, impact the brain’s normal functioning when a sudden hit occurs to the head. While symptoms vary, individuals commonly experience headaches, dizziness, and cognitive challenges. One aspect frequently overlooked is the profound impact concussions can have on vision.

The Intricate Connection Between Concussions and Vision

The brain and the eyes share an intricate connection. Disruptions in this delicate relationship can result in various visual disturbances post-concussion. Common visual issues include blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty with eye tracking or focusing. These challenges significantly impact daily life, from reading a book to driving a car.

Enter Vision Therapy

Vision Therapy improves visual skills and processing by retraining the brain-eye connection through a specialized, non-invasive treatment. Vision Therapy offers hope for concussion recovery by using evidence-based methods to rehabilitate vision.

Addressing Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Vision Therapy is effective in helping with Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) or Convergence Insufficiency (CI) during concussion recovery. BVD happens when the eyes have trouble working well together, causing headaches, eye strain, and trouble focusing. Through targeted training, Vision Therapy helps reestablish proper coordination between the eyes, alleviating these symptoms and facilitating a smoother recovery process.

Restoring Eye Tracking and Focusing Abilities

Training the eyes to move smoothly and focus well can improve people’s ability to see clearly for everyday activities. These activities include reading and following objects in motion.

Mitigating Light Sensitivity and Photo phobia

Sensitivity to light, or photo phobia, is a common post-concussion symptom that significantly impacts daily life. Vision Therapy addresses this issue by gradually exposing individuals to controlled light stimuli, helping desensitize their visual system. A vision therapist can help people feel more comfortable in different lighting situations. You achieve this by following a step-by-step process.

Enhancing Visual Processing Speed and Efficiency

Concussions slow down the brain’s processing speed, affecting how it interprets and acts upon visual information. Vision Therapy includes exercises that stimulate visual processing. This enhancement not only aids in day-to-day activities but also contributes to overall cognitive rehabilitation.

The Role of Vision Therapists and Neuro-Optometry

Central to the success of Vision Therapy in concussion recovery is the expertise of vision therapists. These dedicated professionals work closely with individuals, tailoring therapy sessions to address specific visual challenges. They ensure personalized and effective journeys through their guidance, encouragement, and ongoing assessment.

Vision Therapy offers hope for concussion recovery by addressing visual challenges that come with head injuries. Neuro-optometry reveals that the eyes play a crucial role in brain function. They are not merely windows to the soul, but rather integral to the way the brain operates.

People can improve their vision and overall recovery with personalized therapies, exercises, and guidance from vision therapists. Connect today with our team to start your own personalized vision therapy journey!

Until next month,

Paul Rollett, OD, FCOVD