Brain injuries can leave patients grappling with a wide range of symptoms, many of which extend far beyond the obvious. Surprisingly, vision issues are among the most common problems faced by individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or strokes. In fact, as much as 70% of the brain’s cells are involved in some aspect of vision. This staggering statistic underscores why it’s essential for brain injury patients to consult with a neuro-optometrist as part of their rehabilitation journey.
A Commonly Overlooked Connection
Many brain injury patients would not consider an optometrist as part of their recovery team. This is often because they think of eye care solely in terms of sight, rather than understanding the deeper connection between the brain and vision. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, located in Versailles and Somerset, Kentucky, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD specializes in neuro-optometric rehabilitation, which addresses the vision issues that so often accompany brain trauma.
Dr. Graebe regularly receives referrals from well-known medical institutions, including Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, which treats nearly 8,000 patients from all over Kentucky each year. One such patient, a stroke survivor, experienced significant frustration when other optometrists, using only a standard eye chart test, deemed her vision “normal.” Yet, she knew something was off.
How Brain Injuries Affect Vision
The patient described being able to read the bottom row of an eye chart but was unable to judge the distance of a door across the room. Her depth perception was severely impaired, making her feel disoriented and unsure of her surroundings—a common experience for brain injury patients suffering from Post Traumatic Vision Syndrome (PTVS).
Dr. Graebe’s work involves far more than improving visual acuity. His vision therapy aims to help the brain re-learn how to process visual information accurately. This involves exercises using specialized lenses and prisms designed to retrain the brain’s visual functions. These therapeutic activities can help restore depth perception, coordination, and overall vision performance.
Customized Solutions for Every Patient
Therapies at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute are customized to meet each patient’s specific needs. For brain injury patients, this includes compensatory strategies that help them navigate their new visual limitations. For example, a patient who has lost vision on one side may be instructed to adjust how they position themselves in various situations, such as sitting on a particular side of the theater or being mindful of sharp turns while shopping.
“People often assume brain injury patients are fully recovered when their outward wounds heal, but they may still be struggling with invisible impairments, especially related to their vision,” Dr. Graebe explains.
Why Optometrists Are Key to Brain Injury Recovery
The connection between vision and the brain is intricate, and when a brain injury occurs, it can disrupt this relationship. By addressing both vision and brain function, neuro-optometric rehabilitation offers a path to recovery that traditional therapies may overlook. This approach is not just about restoring sight—it’s about helping patients regain confidence and stability in their everyday lives.
Dr. Graebe emphasizes the rewarding nature of this work: “The most gratifying part of my job is helping patients who have been told there’s no hope. When we restore their visual functions, they no longer feel like victims. Instead, they realize they can take control of their lives again.”
Take Control of Your Recovery
If you or someone you love has experienced a brain injury and is struggling with vision issues, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Specialized vision therapy can help improve quality of life and restore independence.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule a consultation at our Versailles or Somerset locations. Together, we’ll work to reclaim your vision and your life.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.