Imagine your brain as the conductor of a grand symphony—each instrument representing a part of your body. Your eyes interpret the notes, your muscles follow the beat, and your mind keeps the tempo steady. But when a concussion strikes, that once-fluid rhythm is thrown off. The result? Visual chaos. Blurred lines, double images, trouble focusing—suddenly, even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming.
At Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy in Niwot, we recognize that a brain injury can affect far more than your memory or mood. That’s why we’ve developed specialized vision therapy programs designed to help retrain your brain and rewire your visual pathways.
The Impact of Concussions on Your Vision
Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) like concussions are more common than most people think. The CDC estimates that 3.8 million cases occur annually in the United States, and that doesn’t account for those that go unreported.
Unaddressed visual symptoms can persist long after the initial injury, which is why comprehensive eye exams are essential. Our eye doctors can detect post-concussion complications in your visual system and recommend tailored solutions. You may not immediately think of going to an eye doctor for neurological issues, but our team has refined their skills in neuro-optometry to deliver holistic care that addresses issues beyond visual clarity.
Spotting issues post-injury can be quite challenging as many symptoms overlap or can be explained away and deemed “nothing to worry about.” However 90% of individuals experience vision problems after a concussion. Known as Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS), the symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing
- Eye strain or headaches
- Balance and coordination issues
These issues can affect everything from reading and driving to daily comfort.
How Vision Therapy Can Help with Concussions
Think of vision therapy as rehab for your visual system. It’s a guided treatment that targets your eyes and brain, helping them work together again, especially after the disruption of a concussion.
At Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy, our therapy includes:
- Comprehensive testing to evaluate eye movement, visual processing, and focus.
- Custom exercises tailored to your specific symptoms and goals.
- Specialized tools like lenses, prisms, and filters to retrain visual function
- Ongoing progress checks to track recovery and fine-tune your plan
Studies show that vision therapy resolved convergence insufficiency (CI) in 85% of patients and improved it in the remaining 15%.
When to Start Vision Therapy?
If you’ve had a concussion and notice these visual problems, don’t wait for symptoms to “just go away.” Early intervention is the best bet for preserving both your vision and neurological health as a comprehensive eye exam can often spot both ocular and neurological issues. You deserve a life where you see clearly, comfortably and retain your autonomy – this is all possible post-concussion if you seek the proper care.
Our optometrists at Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy in Niwot are here to help you restore visual comfort and confidence through a therapy plan that fits your lifestyle.
Schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a smoother recovery.