The visual system (seeing) can be affected by concussion. Sometimes after a concussion, there will be difficulty coordinating both eyes to focus together , which is called convergence insufficiency (CI) and causes double vision. This can make it difficult to read, which in turn maymake school and work challenging and increase other concussion symptoms like headache and eye pain.
Our Minds Matter Concussion Program team played a key role in a recently published research study that investigated how vision can impact concussion recovery.
For the study, concussion patients began binocular vision rehabilitation either immediately after being seen in the office, or 6 weeks later. Binocular vision rehabilitation is a set of special eye exercises.
The study found that both groups of patients had improved convergence and symptoms, with the immediate group recovering sooner, making early identification and treatment of vision issues after concussion an important factor in improved concussion outcomes. Later initiation of the binocular vision rehabilitation was also effective in reducing concussion symptoms and improving binocular visual function.
“Vision deficits after concussion are often missed,” said Christina Master, MD, Minds Matter Concussion Program Co-Director. “Early screening for vision disorders after concussion is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and now, there is high-quality evidence to recommend treatment with rehabilitation of the vision system to address these deficits.”
These findings underscore the importance of early intervention in managing vision disorders after sustaining a concussion, while also providing reassurance that starting treatment later does not reduce its effectiveness.
Key takeaways for parents and young people experiencing vision issues after concussion:
- Seek medical care early if you think you may have a concussion.
- Report any changes in your vision to a medical professional. Addressing these symptoms can help return to school, sports, and day-to-day activities in a quicker fashion.
- Following up with a concussion specialist may be beneficial to treat vision problems after a concussion.
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The visual system (seeing) can be affected by concussion. Sometimes after a concussion, there will be difficulty coordinating both eyes to focus together , which is called convergence insufficiency (CI) and causes double vision. This can make it difficult to read, which in turn maymake school and work challenging and increase other concussion symptoms like headache and eye pain.
Our Minds Matter Concussion Program team played a key role in a recently published research study that investigated how vision can impact concussion recovery.
For the study, concussion patients began binocular vision rehabilitation either immediately after being seen in the office, or 6 weeks later. Binocular vision rehabilitation is a set of special eye exercises.
The study found that both groups of patients had improved convergence and symptoms, with the immediate group recovering sooner, making early identification and treatment of vision issues after concussion an important factor in improved concussion outcomes. Later initiation of the binocular vision rehabilitation was also effective in reducing concussion symptoms and improving binocular visual function.
“Vision deficits after concussion are often missed,” said Christina Master, MD, Minds Matter Concussion Program Co-Director. “Early screening for vision disorders after concussion is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and now, there is high-quality evidence to recommend treatment with rehabilitation of the vision system to address these deficits.”
These findings underscore the importance of early intervention in managing vision disorders after sustaining a concussion, while also providing reassurance that starting treatment later does not reduce its effectiveness.
Key takeaways for parents and young people experiencing vision issues after concussion:
- Seek medical care early if you think you may have a concussion.
- Report any changes in your vision to a medical professional. Addressing these symptoms can help return to school, sports, and day-to-day activities in a quicker fashion.
- Following up with a concussion specialist may be beneficial to treat vision problems after a concussion.
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Minds Matter Concussion Program