Concussions and Vision Issues: What You Need to Know

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.

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.

Pressure on Neural Pathways

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.

Lingering Symptoms

This pressure can lead to ongoing issues even when a standard eye test shows no problems.

• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty reading
• Eye strain
• Trouble focusing

Why Standard Eye Exams Miss the Problem

These vision problems can persist for months or even years. Without proper eye coordination and tracking skills, something as simple as reading a page of text becomes 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

Thorough testing helps pinpoint which parts of the visual system are not functioning correctly, allowing a tailored treatment plan for each patient.

Complete Vision Testing

A complete series of tests identifies specific visual skills that need improvement and guides the course of therapy.

Multi-Sensory Therapy Approach

Treatment often combines several tools to retrain the visual system.

• Lenses
• Prisms
• Physical therapy exercises

Creating a New Sensory Environment

The goal is to build a new sensory environment that forces the brain to relearn how to process visual information. “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 have found relief with Dr. Graebe’s specialized treatment plans.

High School Athlete Finds Relief

One patient, a high school athlete from Richmond, struggled with headaches and vision issues after a concussion during a football game. After seeing no improvement with traditional treatments, he came to the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles. Through visual therapy exercises and prisms, his symptoms improved, allowing him to return to school and sports with better focus and fewer headaches.

Serving Central and Southern Kentucky

Families from Lexington, Frankfort, Danville, and surrounding communities travel to our clinic for this level of care, showing the regional need for specialized post-concussion vision therapy.

Your Partner in Post-Concussion Vision Care

If you notice lingering vision changes after a concussion, know that help is available. Our team is dedicated to identifying the source of your symptoms and guiding you through a personalized treatment plan. Together we can restore comfort and clarity so you can return to the activities you enjoy.