At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, we understand that brain injuries—whether caused by sports, accidents, or medical events like strokes—can leave lasting impacts that go far beyond the visible. In Versailles and Somerset, our practice is at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to address these complex issues. The latest addition to our toolbox is the portable RightEye device, a revolutionary technology that provides detailed insights into a patient’s eye-tracking abilities, which is crucial for understanding and treating brain injuries.
Understanding the Role of Vision in Brain Injury
You might think that vision problems are immediately apparent, but they often go unnoticed after a brain injury. At least 70% of what the brain processes comes from the visual system, yet symptoms like difficulty with balance, depth perception, and spatial awareness can be subtle. This issue stems from the intricate pathways that connect our eyes to our brain; they gather visual information and help us interpret the world around us.
For many patients, especially young athletes involved in sports like football, soccer, or hockey, these pathways can be disrupted by a concussion or other brain trauma. Dr. Rick Graebe, a neuro optometrist with over 35 years of experience, knows that these hidden disabilities are commonly overlooked. “These pathways aren’t created at birth,” he explains. “They are learned over time. When a brain injury happens, it can disrupt that learning, requiring us to rebuild these connections.”
How RightEye Technology is Changing Brain Injury Treatment
RightEye uses advanced eye-tracking software to gather precise data on how well a patient’s eyes track, focus, and work together. While a standard eye exam may tell you if your vision is 20/20, it does not reveal how well your eyes and brain communicate. For patients who struggle with issues like reading or concentrating after a brain injury, the data from RightEye can be crucial for diagnosis and therapy.
Dr. Graebe’s office uses RightEye to evaluate patients in various scenarios. For instance, student-athletes can undergo baseline tests before their sports season begins. If they experience a head injury, they can quickly be re-evaluated on-site to determine the extent of any potential brain damage. This immediate and accurate testing not only benefits the athlete but also provides valuable insights for coaches and parents.
Vision Therapy: A Customized Approach to Healing
Based on the data gathered by RightEye, Dr. Graebe develops individualized vision therapy plans. Vision therapy is like physical therapy but focused on retraining the brain’s connection to the eyes. Through exercises and specialized techniques, patients can rebuild the pathways that were damaged by their injury. One recent patient, a high school football player from Lexington, struggled with dizziness and poor depth perception after a concussion. Following a personalized vision therapy program, he regained full control over his visual system and returned to playing sports with confidence.
Our office in Versailles serves the greater Lexington area, providing a convenient location for patients across Central and Southern Kentucky. We offer these vision therapy programs to help each patient achieve their full potential, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in everyday life.
Schedule Your Brain Injury Vision Assessment Today
At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and his team are dedicated to helping patients reclaim their visual health after a brain injury. If you or someone you know is experiencing lingering effects from a concussion or other brain trauma, contact our office today to schedule an assessment. With locations in both Versailles and Somerset, we are here to support Central and Southern Kentucky residents on their journey to recovery.
Call us at 859-879-0089 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Graebe.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.