Frequently following traumatic brain injury, patients develop a constellation of symptoms that have been defined as Post Trauma Vision Syndrome.
The patients complain of blurred or double vision, headaches, spatial disorientation, photophobia, objects appearing to move, visual hallucinations, poor attention and concentration and poor visual memory. Characteristics include convergence insufficiency, accommodative dysfunction, exotropia or exophoria, low blink rate, poor fixation and pursuits and visual instability in general. It has been determined that an neuro-optometric assessment can accurately diagnose this condition and is used in rehabilitation hospitals throughout the United States, who have optometrists practicing neuro-optometric rehabilitation on their staffs. Not only can this condition be diagnosed, but in addition, treatment through lenses, prisms and vision therapy has been effective in providing stability to the visual system. It has also been found that improvements in visual function through neuro-optometric rehabilitation has affected all aspects of rehabilitation programs in general.
A brain injury patient benefits from the coordinated care provided by a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals. The multi-disciplinary team approach is especially beneficial due to the level of care and amount of time required to rehabilitate a brain injury patient.
Vision is an important component of the patient’s rehabilitation, and affects the patient’s progress in other areas of treatment. Our team of specialists has the expertise and experience to provide vision care specific to brain injury patients.
Performance of the eyes and visual system determines the efficiency of visual integration.
Visual Integration Affects:
Speech Fine motor skills
Balance Gross motor skills
Eye-hand coordination Visualization
Crossing the mid-line Hyper/hypo sensitivities
Awareness of the environment Comprehension
Symptoms of Vision Problems and/or Visual Integration Include:
Blurred vision Loss of visual field
Sensitivity to light Misaligned eyes
Headaches Poor posture
Neck and/or back pain Nystagmus
Poor balance Difficulty reading
Inadequate gross motor skills Poor eye-hand coordination
Poor comprehension Inadequate depth perception
Visual perception problems Poor memory
A Variety of Brain Injuries Can Result in Visual Problems:
Traumatic brain injury Cervical injury
Post-concussion syndrome Stroke
Cerebral palsy Nervous system palsy
Pre/Peri/Post natal brain development difficulties or injuries
Treatment often includes ocular therapies to correct and improve: Eye movement, focusing, teaming, and tracking skills. Rehabilitation includes a combination of ocular therapies, corrective/therapeutic lenses, and prisms. The treatment objective is to assist the brain in relearning visual system management skills.
Since 1991, Boise optometrist - Dr. Jeffrey C. Johnson and our team of trained specialists have been providing accurate, professional diagnoses and state-of-the-art treatment you can count on. Our expertise, experience and results speak for themselves. We look forward to being of service to you.