Traumatic Brain Injury: How Your Eye Doctor Can Help
.jpg)
March is Brain Injury Awareness month. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI.” 1 The aim of the month-long campaign is to educate people about the effects living with brain injury can have.
What is TBI?
TBI is caused when there is a severe blow to the head that can either cause a bruise, tear, or even a break in the brain tissue. This type of injury can lead to vision and balance problems, including blurred vision and poor depth perception—impacting everyday life activities.
Diagnosis and treatment of any vision or eye issues resulting from TBI are important for maintaining overall health and well-being. On the other hand, if someone is unaware that they have ongoing symptoms related to TBI, an optometrist can help. An eye doctor may refer the patient to a specialist who will help develop an individualized treatment plan.
There are a variety of visual problems that can occur at different time points in your recovery. Some of the most common types of vision problems include
-
Blurred or double vision, especially with seeing up close
-
Difficulty targeting or tracking objects
-
Difficulty maintaining fixation
-
Sensitivity to light
Vision problems may not be noticeable until some time has passed. It is important to pay close attention to any vision changes you are experiencing, especially after a concussion or any head trauma. Studies show that more than 90 percent of TBI patients suffer some form of visual dysfunction, yet vision problems tend to be overlooked during the initial treatment of a brain injury.2
If you notice any changes in your vision, contact your eye doctor right away. Your eye doctor will be able to determine the cause of the problem and provide an appropriate vision therapy treatment.3
Potential eye problems can be successfully managed if detected early and treated promptly. Early interventions may include an ophthalmologic assessment and vision therapy.
Additionally, it is important to take proactive steps to reduce risk factors associated with TBI that could cause eye damage, including:
-
Wearing a helmet when riding a bike
-
Taking precautions when playing contact sports
-
Using safety measures, like wearing safety glasses or goggles, when operating heavy machinery or participating in hobbies that require precise movements
This March, we urge everyone to be aware of the potential risks involved with traumatic brain injury and to remember that your eye doctor is an important member of your healthcare team who can help detect and monitor serious health conditions.
Learn More
Take charge of your eye health and optimize your vision as well as your quality of life by scheduling an annual eye exam today. Find a provider or Login or create a vsp.com account to view and understand your benefits.
Sources: