The Overlooked Connection Between Vision and Concussion Recovery
Have you ever considered how much you rely on your vision—not just for clarity but for making sense of the world around you? After a concussion, this system often takes a hit, and yet, it's frequently overlooked in recovery plans. Many assume that if their vision is clear, everything is fine. But the truth is, functional vision—how your eyes work together and how your brain processes what you see—plays a critical role in recovery. Ignoring it could be why symptoms linger longer than they should.
In this post, we’re diving deep into the nuances of vision and concussion. Whether you’re navigating your own recovery or helping others through it, understanding this piece of the puzzle can make all the difference.
Beyond 20/20: The Myth of Clear Vision
When we think of vision, most of us imagine crisp, clear eyesight. But vision is so much more than seeing objects clearly at a distance. It involves tracking, depth perception, focusing, and the brain's ability to process and interpret visual information. These aspects of functional vision often take a hit after a concussion, causing symptoms like:
Difficulty reading or concentrating on screens
Dizziness in busy environments like grocery stores
Fatigue after short periods of visual activity
Imagine trying to navigate a crowded party or read an email while feeling like your eyes aren’t syncing up with your brain. That’s the reality for many people post-concussion.
What Happens to Vision After a Concussion?
Your visual system is intricately connected to the brain, and even a mild concussion can disrupt this delicate balance. Some of the most common issues include:
Convergence Insufficiency: Trouble bringing the eyes together to focus on close objects, making reading a challenge.
Accommodative Dysfunction: Difficulty shifting focus between near and far objects.
Visual Motion Sensitivity: Feeling overwhelmed or dizzy in environments with a lot of movement, like scrolling on a phone or walking through a crowded space.
These disturbances aren’t just inconvenient—they can seriously impact your ability to work, socialize, and even rest.
The Tools Clinicians Use to Evaluate Vision
Understanding and assessing functional vision requires a different lens (pun intended) than a standard eye exam. Clinicians specializing in concussion recovery use tools and tests such as:
Near Point of Convergence Test: Measures how well the eyes work together to focus on a nearby target.
Dynamic Visual Acuity: Tests how vision functions during movement, often revealing motion sensitivity issues.
King-Devick Test: Assesses saccadic eye movements (the ability to shift focus quickly and accurately between points), which are often impaired after a concussion.
These evaluations provide a roadmap for targeted rehabilitation strategies, tailored to the individual's specific visual challenges.
Practical Strategies for Managing Visual Symptoms
The good news? You don’t have to live with these symptoms forever. Here are some strategies to support your recovery:
1. Palming
This simple exercise involves covering your eyes with your hands, allowing them to rest in darkness. It can be a powerful reset for overstimulated visual systems.
2. Tracing
Use your eyes to follow a line or object slowly. This can help retrain smooth pursuit eye movements and improve coordination.
3. Binasal Occlusion
Wearing glasses with tape on the inner part of the lenses can reduce visual input and ease symptoms of motion sensitivity.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Whether you're reading, working on a screen, or walking through a busy environment, frequent breaks can prevent overstimulation. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
5. Engage in Structured Visual Therapy
Working with a specialist in vision therapy or neuro-optometry can address persistent issues through exercises tailored to your needs.
Real-Life Impact: Stories of Vision Recovery
Take James, for example. A software developer, James found himself unable to return to work after his concussion. The fluorescent lights in his office triggered migraines, and scrolling through code on a screen left him dizzy and fatigued. Through targeted visual exercises like binasal occlusion and dynamic visual acuity training, James gradually rebuilt his tolerance for screen time and returned to his career.
Then there’s Sarah, a university student who struggled with reading and focusing after her concussion. Traditional study methods left her exhausted. By incorporating palming exercises and working with a neuro-optometrist, Sarah regained her ability to concentrate, ultimately excelling in her courses once more.
These stories illustrate that recovery is possible with the right approach.
Vision Recovery is a Game-Changer
If you’re a clinician, consider integrating functional vision assessments into your practice. And if you’re someone navigating post-concussion symptoms, know that help is out there. Ignoring visual disturbances could delay your recovery, but addressing them head-on can transform your journey.
Ready to take the next step? Tune into this week’s episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast to dive even deeper into vision recovery strategies.
Bonus Resource: Join Concussion Mini-School
Don’t forget to check out Concussion Mini-School, our free monthly mentorship call. It’s a fantastic way to connect, learn, and ask questions about topics like vision recovery. Whether you’re a clinician or someone on the recovery journey, these calls are designed to support you every step of the way. Click here to sign up.
Recovery is a process, but with knowledge and the right tools, it’s one you don’t have to navigate alone. Let’s rewrite the story of what’s possible after a concussion. ~ Natasha
