Up to 90 percent of people experience post-concussion symptoms for many years… until they receive effective treatment from a neuro-optometrist.
Post traumatic vision syndrome (PTVS) is a condition that frequently occurs following a neurological event, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This condition is caused by a disconnect between the central and peripheral visual systems and occurs when the connections between the eyes and the brain become damaged.
Post traumatic vision syndrome generally results in reduced visual processing and consequently, a range of visual symptoms.
If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.
SEE RELATED: Managing Concussion: A Team Approach
Symptoms of PTVS
Visual symptoms may include:
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Blurred vision
- Eyestrain
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Impaired depth-perception
- Eye-tracking difficulties
Other symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Imbalance
- Disorientation
- Impaired visual memory
- Reduced concentration
- Reading difficulties
- Driving difficulties
- Impaired ability to navigate through crowded spaces
What can you do to relieve your PTVS symptoms?
Vision problems following a concussion can be debilitating and even lead to a secondary injury if left untreated.
Fortunately, a neuro-optometrist can prescribe a rehabilitation program to improve and strengthen your visual system and relieve your PTVS symptoms.
What is neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation?
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation has been shown to be 90 to 100 percent effective for the treatment of PTVS.
Each rehabilitation program is customized to the needs of the individual patient, and is designed to rebuild the connections between the eyes and the brain.
A rehabilitation program is a personalized program that typically includes a series of evidence-based eye exercises, but may also include the use of specialized optical lenses, prisms, and other visual aids to strengthen the neural connections between the eyes and the brain and improve functional vision.
Which visual skills can be improved with neuro-optometric rehabilitation?
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can recover the visual skills necessary for daily functioning, including:
- Binocular vision
- Visual processing
- Visual midline shift
- Spatial awareness
- Eye-tracking and focusing
- Convergence
- Ocular motor function
A neuro-optometrist will conduct a comprehensive vision evaluation to determine which visual skills have been affected by the concussion and prescribe an effective treatment plan to strengthen these skills.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Neuro-Optometry
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of PTVS, schedule an appointment with a neuro-optometrist.
A program of neuro-optometric rehabilitation can give you the relief you need and the quality of life you deserve.
