CONCUSSION AND VISION PROBLEMS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT 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.
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