Understanding Vision and Its Impact on Concussion Recovery
Have you ever thought about how much vision affects your well-being... especially after a concussion? For many people navigating concussion symptoms, it can be easy to overlook the impact of visual disturbances. You might think that if your vision seems clear, everything is working fine. But vision is more than just “seeing clearly” ~ it’s a highly functional system that coordinates your brain, body, and even emotions.
When vision is impacted by a concussion, it often shows up as difficulty reading, watching screens, navigating busy spaces, and sometimes feeling off-balance. Yet, these struggles aren’t always recognized as visual issues. Today, we’re diving into the components of vision that are often affected by concussion and how targeted strategies can help address these challenges and open the door to a fuller recovery.
Vision Beyond Clarity
A common misconception about vision after a concussion is that if you can see clearly, your vision is fine. But clarity is only part of the picture. Functional vision ~ the brain’s ability to interpret and process what the eyes see ~ is often compromised after a concussion. This can lead to symptoms like light sensitivity, double vision, poor depth perception, and eye strain. Functional vision affects nearly everything we do, from reading a book to crossing a street.
Components of Functional Vision
What makes functional vision so impactful? It’s a combination of components that need to work together smoothly. After a concussion, these components can go off-balance:
- Depth Perception: Your ability to judge distances accurately.
- Tracking: Following a moving object or scanning across a page.
- Focus: Shifting focus from one object to another quickly.
- Processing Speed: The time it takes to make sense of what you’re seeing.
When these skills are disrupted, everyday tasks become more challenging, and it’s easy to feel drained or frustrated.
Assessing and Treating Visual Disturbances
Visual disturbances after a concussion need more than a quick eye test. Clinicians can use specific tools and techniques to identify issues in functional vision. Techniques like palming (covering the eyes to reduce visual input and calm the nervous system), tracing (following the outline of an object to encourage focus and smooth eye movement), and binasal occlusion (placing tape along the inner part of glasses lenses to reduce visual input) can provide significant relief and promote healing.
For those experiencing symptoms, working with a professional skilled in post-concussion vision therapy is ideal. Addressing visual challenges through specific exercises and adjustments makes navigating daily activities smoother and more comfortable.
Practical Tips for Those Navigating Concussion Recovery
If you’re dealing with visual symptoms, try incorporating these strategies into your daily routine:
1. Palming: Use this technique when you’re feeling overstimulated. Find a quiet space, cover your eyes with your palms, and take deep breaths. It can help reset your vision and calm your mind.
2. Binasal Occlusion: For persistent light sensitivity or double vision, consult a professional about adding binasal occlusion tape to your glasses. This technique reduces the amount of visual input, helping your eyes and brain process information more comfortably.
3. Gradual Screen Time: Slowly build up your tolerance by taking regular breaks and adjusting screen brightness. It’s about finding balance... not forcing through discomfort.
Understanding and addressing vision as a critical part of concussion recovery can truly be a game-changer. Whether you’re a clinician looking to deepen your knowledge or someone on the recovery journey, focusing on functional vision is a powerful step forward.
