By Dr Nicholas Altuneg, Behavioural Optometrist
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving behind physical and emotional scars that require time and care to heal. But what about the hidden consequences that may not manifest immediately? One such concern is the impact of concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), on our vision. Checking vision after a TBI can be easily overlooked.
Concussions and Vision: A Closer Look
While it’s widely recognised that concussions can result in headaches and cognitive challenges, fewer people are aware of the profound effects they can have on vision. Concussions, classified as minor TBIs, can exert a major influence on visual function. Surprisingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that as many as 75% of all TBIs are concussions.
Moreover, a staggering 90% of individuals who sustain concussions due to external impacts, such as car accidents, encounter vision–related issues. Vehicular collisions, significant falls, and sports injuries top the list of leading causes of TBIs, including concussions.
The Complex Relationship Between Concussions, TBIs, and Vision Problems
Concussions and other TBIs can disrupt the intricate communication between the eyes and the brain. Individuals who have experienced these injuries may grapple with a range of visual challenges, including:
- Double Vision: The eyes may struggle to work together, resulting in double vision.
- Persistent Headaches: Visual activities such as reading may trigger eye fatigue and headaches.
- Blurred Vision: Objects may appear unclear or out of focus.
- Dizziness or Nausea: Feeling dizzy or nauseous.
- Sensitivity to Stimuli: Increased sensitivity to noise or light.
- Balance Problems: Challenges maintaining balance.
- Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating or feeling ‘foggy.’
- Memory Problems: Forgetfulness or memory lapses.
- Emotional Changes: Feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, or emotional changes.
- Sleep Alterations: Changes in sleep patterns or quality.
- Loss of Visual Field: Portions of the visual field may become inaccessible.
- Eye Convergence Issues: The inability to align both eyes simultaneously.
- Oculomotor Dysfunction: Difficulty with eye movement control, including locating and tracking objects.
- Accommodative Insufficiency: Challenges in focusing on nearby objects.
In severe cases, TBIs can result in critical eye emergencies, including retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, or vitreous haemorrhage. A comprehensive functional eye examination following a car accident or head injury is indispensable to identify potential eye damage and prescribe appropriate treatment measures.
Not Just on the Road
Injuries leading to concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are not confined solely to car accidents. Workplace mishaps, slips, and falls, as well as sports–related impacts, can also result in similar injuries. Any incident in which the head experiences a significant blow or sudden jolt could lead to a concussion. These injuries are often linked to a wide array of symptoms, varying from mild to severe, and can encompass a broad spectrum of physical, cognitive, and visual impairments.
Diverse Sources of Trauma
From tripping on an uneven sidewalk to sustaining a head injury during sports or while working in a construction zone, these incidents share a common denominator: the potential to cause concussions and, consequently, vision problems. Workplace–related accidents, particularly in physically demanding or high–risk occupations, pose a significant risk. Even seemingly trivial falls or accidents in everyday life can result in an undetected concussion, subsequently affecting visual functions.
By expanding the narrative beyond car accidents, it becomes apparent that various scenarios and settings can potentially trigger concussions or TBIs, underscoring the importance of recognising these injuries’ broader scope and their potential effects on vision.
Treatment Options for Vision Problems Post–TBIs
To address vision issues arising from car accidents or TBIs, it is crucial to consult a Behavioural Optometrist, a specialist trained to manage eye problems linked to the nervous system. An assessment from a Behavioural Optometrist goes beyond the standard test of 20/20 vision and tests functional visual skills such as the accuracy of eye movements and various other visual skills.
If the vision problems are connected to neurological damage or brain injury, the Behavioural Optometrist will pinpoint the specific visual challenges and prescribe appropriate treatment options. These may include specialised glasses, such as prism lenses, or a tailored neuro–optometric rehabilitation program. Restoring visual function and enhancing overall wellbeing is crucial for everyone affected.
Car accidents and head injuries can have far–reaching consequences, with the impact extending beyond what meets the eye – quite literally. Understanding the potential effects of concussions and TBIs on vision is a critical step toward addressing these issues. If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident or head injury, we encourage you to seek professional care promptly.
Navigating the Road to Visual Recovery
Recovering from a car accident or head injury can be a challenging journey, but it’s a journey you don’t have to face alone. Recognising the potential impact on your vision and seeking professional care, you take the first step toward a brighter, clearer future.
A Behavioural Optometrist can help you restore visual function and enhance your overall well-being. If you or someone you know has recently experienced a car accident or head injury, consider seeking professional assistance. Schedule a post–TBI vision assessment to embark on the path to visual rehabilitation and a more comprehensive recovery.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co–founder at Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone 4369 8169 or online at www.eyesbydesign.com.au