Emergency Eye Care Services at Family Vision Center
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions (a mild form of TBI) affect millions of Americans and Canadians annually. TBI can occur from a football game, jolt, head bump, car accident or other trauma, and disrupts normal brain functioning. Though there may be much pain associated with the initial incident, most of the symptoms of TBI appear after the injury, and not at the time of initial impact. Brain injuries can happen to anyone, resulting in long-term, life-altering consequences.
Concussions may cause one to struggle with reading and watching TV, to experience double vision or to see objects jumping around — all of which are symptoms of vision problems. Fortunately, optometrists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat visual aberrations related to TBIs and concussions.
If you or a family member has sustained a concussion, we strongly urge you to get your eyes examined as soon as possible. If Dr. Frank A. Curington will detect any problems, treatment will begin before the issues increase in severity.
How Does A Concussion Affect Vision?
Traumatic brain injury causes brain dysfunction that can range from mild (concussion) to severe. Though considered mild, a concussion is still a brain injury that can cause ongoing debilitating symptoms and alter the normal function of one’s brain.
The most affected groups are children and teens, and of those, more than 60% experience visual symptoms typically caused by an interruption in the vital communication between the brain and the eyes.
It’s not uncommon for patients to experience blurred vision following a concussion, which can be caused by a misalignment of the eyes when attempting to focus on a single object or target. Other post-concussive visual problems can result in physiological or cognitive complications, such as issues with balance, headaches, vertigo, eyestrain, and difficulty reading or concentrating.
Unfortunately, visual aberrations tend to be overlooked in the initial treatment and diagnosis of a concussion, and it’s not uncommon to discover vision issues until some time has passed following the accident.
If you notice any changes in your vision following a concussion, contact Dr. Frank A. Curington at Family Vision Center. Dr. Frank A. Curington will first perform a comprehensive eye exam and verify that no other damage has resulted from the event, such as retinal detachment or traumatic uveitis.
What Are the Symptoms Following a Concussion?
Cognitive symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Difficulty thinking
- Attention deficits
- Mood swings
- Frustration
Visual symptoms may include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Reading difficulties
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Headaches
- Double vision
- Eye movement difficulties
Vision Treatment Following A Concussion
Following a concussion, your first step after seeing your regular physician is to undergo an eye exam. Family Vision Center offers exams for people of all ages. If you or a loved one has recently suffered a concussion, we strongly urge you to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist.
Dr. Frank A. Curington will perform a detailed visual evaluation, assessing skills such as focusing, eye teaming, and tracking depth perception, and eye health. Furthermore, the optometrist will talk with you regarding your visual symptoms and the ways in which they are impacting your daily routine. You may be sent for additional testing with a vision therapist to further detail your visual problems and the degree to which they are interfering with your overall visual function.
Family Vision Center in Rockledge has recruited the best practitioners and employees to bring you the finest in eye health resources. Our advanced technologies and methods provide the most advanced care to our patients. You can be sure that your vision is in good hands.
If you have any questions regarding concussions or the resultant vision problems, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
