Our optometrist can help with your post concussion eye symptoms.
Concussion is once again in the News with previous players launching action again the AFL due to ongoing issues caused by concussion and head injuries. Optometrists can play an important role to assist with ongoing vision issues that can be caused by this and the below is information for your reading.
What is Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury(TBI) caused by a bump or a blow to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Despite previous misconceptions, concussion does not necessary involve the loss of consciousness.
Side Effects
Studies have found that eye symptoms are a frequent side effect of a concussion. Although most cases resolve spontaneously without medical intervention over a period of two weeks, a subset of patients continue to suffer some form of visual dysfunctions:
- Blurred or double vision
- Photophobia- sensitivity to light
- Reading difficulty
- Difficulties with eye movements
- Pattern glare
- Visual motion sensitivity
- Vertical heterophoria
- And more
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the problem is not straight forward. In fact, routine ophthalmic exams may look entirely normal. Normal visual acuity does not mean you are fine. You need to be tested not just for visual acuity, but the optometrist will also need to look out for issues with eye teaming, focusing, and tracking skills.
How we can help
Chromatic filter lenses
Light is composed of different wavelengths, from UV rays through the visible spectrum to infrared rays. Each color of the visible spectrum impacts the autonomic nervous system differently. The theory is by blocking certain wavelengths of light that the patients are sensitive to, symptoms such as photophobia, headache, motion sensitivity and pattern glare issues can be reduced.
Prism Glasses
Dizziness and headaches suffered post concussion can be caused by a vision condition called ‘binocular vision dysfunction’. Prisms are often use to address spatial challenges — such as posture, depth perception, coordination, and balance — by shifting the perceived position of objects and adjusting part of the person’s visual field. Treatment often includes the wearing of eyeglasses with prisms, which compensate for any changes to the visual system caused by the concussion.
Blue light filter lenses
Blue light from digital devices can be extremely sensitive to people experiencing post-concussion syndrome. Blue light filter lenses are designed to prevent blue light wavelengths from entering our eyes. There are evidence showing that exposure to artificial blue light at night can prevent our body from producing the sleep hormone, melatonin. Using blue light filter lenses when using digital devices at night maybe able to increase sleep quality, which is important because the brain recover while we were sleeping.
What Should I do
Have you experienced a concussion as a result of work, sports, or recreational activities, either recently or in the past? Why not make an appointment to see Don in Kelmscott today.