Concussion awareness has grown tremendously in recent years, especially among parents. What was once brushed off as a minor injury is now recognized as a brain injury that can have lasting effects. Beyond the more commonly known symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and memory loss, concussions often impact vision.
From light sensitivity to problems with focus and reading, concussion-related vision issues can linger long after the initial injury. Despite these troubling symptoms, routine eye exams frequently find nothing wrong. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a neuro-optometrist in Versailles, KY, this is because the injury is not to the eye itself, but to the brain and its visual processing capabilities.
The Connection Between Concussions and Vision Problems
Dr. Graebe explains that concussions can severely affect the visual system. Of the twelve cranial nerves in the brain, four are dedicated to vision. When the brain swells after an injury, it puts pressure on the neural pathways that connect the brain and eyes, making it difficult for them to work together efficiently. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty reading, eye strain, and focusing issues, even when a standard eye test shows no problems.
These vision problems are particularly frustrating because they can persist for months or even years after the injury. Without proper eye coordination and tracking skills, something as simple as reading a page of text can become a struggle. A comprehensive vision assessment, beyond the typical eye chart exam, is essential to understanding the full scope of these issues.
Treating Post-Concussion Vision Issues
Dr. Graebe emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to diagnose and treat concussion-related vision problems. A complete series of tests can pinpoint which parts of the visual system are not functioning correctly, helping to tailor a treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment often involves a multi-sensory approach that combines lenses, prisms, and physical therapy exercises designed to retrain the visual system. For instance, a common exercise might involve a patient walking on a low balance beam while reading letters on a wall, all while wearing glasses fitted with prisms to correct visual alignment issues.
The goal is to create a new sensory environment for the patient, forcing their brain to relearn how to process visual information correctly. According to Dr. Graebe, “We have to get the visual system integrated so that the brain makes sense out of what the eyes are seeing.” This integrated approach helps restore the brain’s ability to process visual input, reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
Real-World Success Stories
Patients from all over Southern and Central Kentucky, including areas like Lexington, Frankfort, and Danville, have found relief with Dr. Graebe’s specialized treatment plans. One patient, a high school athlete from Richmond, struggled with headaches and vision issues after suffering a concussion during a football game. After seeing no improvement with traditional treatments, he came to the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles. Through a combination of visual therapy exercises and prisms, his symptoms began to improve, allowing him to return to school and sports with better focus and fewer headaches.
Schedule a Comprehensive Vision Exam Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with vision issues after a concussion, don’t wait to seek help. Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and the team at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute specialize in treating post-concussion vision problems. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are one of the only practices in Central and Southern Kentucky offering this level of specialized care.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.