Tips for Managing Vision Problems Associated With Brain Injury

Each year in the United States, about 1.5 million people sustain a traumatic head injury, many of which cause vision issues. If you have vision issues related to brain injury, follow these best practices.

Americans aren’t strangers to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions: Researchers estimate about 1.5 million Americans sustain a brain injury each year. And in 2020 alone, there were nearly 215,000 hospitalizations for TBIs.

Among many symptoms, brain injury or concussion can cause vision issues, ranging from double vision to light sensitivity.

As neuro-optometry experts, our team at DeyeNAMICS is well-versed in the many ways a traumatic brain injury or concussion can affect a person’s vision. Not only do we provide tools and therapies to restore your vision, but we also want to share more information on this topic, including strategies for managing TBI-related vision issues.

Brain Injuries and Vision Issues

A traumatic brain injury can affect your vision in many ways. TBIs can range widely in terms of visual side effects and complications because they depend upon the damage to the brain.

Vision issues can often crop up with mild concussions as well as with more severe and life-altering TBIs.

Some of the more common vision issues after a TBI include:

Problems with visual acuity, such as intermittent or constant blurriness
Double vision
Difficulty with focusing at different distances
Eye tracking issues
Balance issues and motion sensitivity
Problems with depth perception and spatial awareness
Visual field loss — reduction in peripheral vision
Eye pain and headaches
Sensitivity to light
Feeling overwhelmed in crowded environments

TBIs can also lead to visual memory loss, a condition in which your brain doesn’t register or remember visual information.

Strategies for Managing TBI-Related Vision Issues

If you experience vision issues related to a TBI, you can make your life easier in several ways.

Get the Right Vision Team in Your Corner

First, access to the right neuro-optometric rehabilitation program early in your rehabilitation can be instrumental. The first 6-12 months after a TBI are critical, as neuroplasticity is at its peak, so it is beneficial to retrain your brain as much as you can during this period.

Come see us right away so we can provide you with the lenses, exercises, and therapies you need to improve your vision. These can go a long way toward easing the rest of your recovery.

If it has been longer than a year since your TBI, we can still provide tools for rehabilitation. Your brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity still exists, and changes in visual functioning can be made. These changes may occur more slowly, but changes can still be made and quality of life can be improved.

Give Your Eyes Frequent Breaks

Your brain repairs itself at its own speed, so don’t overdo it. We often hear complaints about eye fatigue and discomfort.

Limit the time you stare at screens. Take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to focus on things at different distances. You can also simply lie down with your eyes closed to let them rest. If your body can tolerate it, you may also find it beneficial to engage in gentle movement.

Adjust Your Environment to Work Around Vision Issues

While your eyes learn to process and communicate with your brain again, you can help by adjusting your environment. For example, if you have increased light sensitivity, stay away from fluorescent lights. You might also try more contrast on your screens to help things pop a little more or reduce the overall brightness of the screen.

If your eyes get fatigued or strained with visual overload, place all the things you need in just one assigned area. Keep chargers, keys, and your wallet all in one place on the counter to make it difficult to misplace important things.

Be Patient

Patience is crucial during recovery from a TBI. Your brain will heal to the best of its ability in its own time. You can’t do anything to speed it up.

Instead, be patient and kind to yourself. Listen to your body, take it one day at a time, and remain aware of your successes, big or small. It is also important to be sure you’re tapped into the right resources.

To connect with our team for skilled neuro-optometric rehabilitation after a TBI, contact us at one of our offices in Sacramento, Bellflower, or Valencia, California; Guildford, Connecticut; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; or Plano, Texas, to schedule a consultation.