Experiencing a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically change a person’s life, often resulting in challenges that may not be immediately apparent. While most patients receive treatment for obvious physical symptoms, one aspect that frequently goes unnoticed is their vision. Many brain injury survivors struggle with visual complications, such as double vision or difficulty reading, which can significantly affect their quality of life.
Dr. Rick Graebe, a neuro optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky, is working at the forefront of vision rehabilitation. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Graebe specializes in neuro-optometric rehabilitation for patients who have suffered brain trauma, including strokes and concussions. His unique approach, known as Vision Therapy, is helping patients regain control of their visual abilities and improve their daily functioning.
Vision Problems After Brain Injury: The Hidden Impact
A stroke or brain injury can disrupt the brain’s ability to process visual information. Although the eyes may be healthy, the brain’s interpretation of visual signals can be impaired, leading to symptoms such as double vision, blurred vision, or trouble focusing. These issues often go untreated because they aren’t as immediately obvious as mobility or speech problems.
Take, for instance, a 65-year-old stroke survivor who recently sought treatment at Dr. Graebe’s clinic. After his stroke, he began experiencing debilitating double vision, which made everyday tasks like reading the newspaper or watching TV incredibly difficult. While many doctors overlooked this symptom, Dr. Graebe identified the issue and provided an innovative short-term solution—he advised the patient to use a sock, with the toe cut off, to cover one lens of his glasses. This simple trick eliminated the double vision by allowing only one eye to function.
However, this was just a temporary fix. Dr. Graebe’s long-term plan involved Vision Therapy, a systematic approach to retraining the eyes and brain to work together again. Through a series of targeted exercises, his therapy helps to restore proper eye coordination, allowing the patient to regain clarity and depth perception.
Vision Therapy: A Life-Changing Solution
Vision Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy for the eyes, brain, and body. It focuses on retraining the visual system to function more effectively, especially after a brain injury. For stroke and brain trauma patients, the therapy is designed to help the eyes work in harmony again, eliminating issues like double vision, poor depth perception, and difficulty tracking moving objects.
Dr. Graebe recently presented his findings on Vision Therapy at a brain injury conference held at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where his work was well-received by military doctors treating brain-injured soldiers. His innovative treatments have positioned him as a leader in this field, particularly in Central and Southern Kentucky.
While his practice primarily focuses on pediatric patients, around 20% of his caseload includes adults who have suffered brain trauma. One of the remarkable aspects of Dr. Graebe’s work is his ability to tailor each treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient, ensuring optimal results.
Success Stories: Changing Lives Through Vision Therapy
Dr. Graebe’s innovative therapies are not just theoretical—they’ve had real-world impact on his patients. One patient from Somerset, Kentucky, came to Dr. Graebe after suffering a brain injury in a car accident. This individual was unable to drive or read due to persistent double vision and visual disorientation. After undergoing a customized Vision Therapy program, the patient regained the ability to drive and returned to work, regaining his independence.
For many patients, Vision Therapy is a life-changing treatment that restores their ability to function in everyday life. Whether it’s reading, watching TV, or driving, patients who complete the program often report significant improvements in their quality of life.
Regain Control of Your Vision Today
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological condition that has affected your vision, there is hope. Vision Therapy with Dr. Rick Graebe at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
With two convenient locations—one in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area, and another in Somerset—Dr. Graebe’s practice is one of the few in Kentucky offering this specialized care for brain injury patients. Don’t let vision problems hold you back from living your best life.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward clearer, more functional vision.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.