What are traumatic brain injury and concussion?
At least 3.6 million concussions occur annually, according to the CDC, which does not include injuries that go unreported or undiagnosed. A concussion is a jarring injury of the brain that alters the way your brain functions. It is considered a mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI. Traumatic brain injury is when an external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction, and it can range from very severe to a more mild injury such as concussion. Although along the continuum of brain injury severity, concussion is considered mild, it is still an injury to the brain, and can cause persistent and disabling symptoms. Children and adolescents are affected most often. In a recent study of adolescents with diagnosed concussion, 69% had one or more of these common visual disorders: accommodative (problems focusing), convergence insufficiency (problems with eye teaming), and saccadic dysfunction (problems tracking).
Visual symptoms:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Double vision
- Trouble reading
- Difficulty viewing computer screens
- Sensitivity to light
- Dizziness
- Difficulty tolerating movement in the periphery, such as while riding in the car or in a crowded store
- Problems with depth perception
How can Wyomissing Optometric Center help?
Dr. Sensenig will talk with you about your visual symptoms and how they are affecting you during your daily routine. She will then complete a detailed visual evaluation, assessing skills such as focusing, eye teaming, and tracking, depth perception, and eye health. Depending on your needs, you may then return for additional testing with our vision therapists to further details your visual problems and the degree to which they are interfering with your overall visual function. Dr. Sensenig will then work with you, your family, and your rehabilitation team to determine your visual rehabilitation plan. Treatment may include:
Therapeutic and/or corrective eyeglasses (prescription lenses, prism, or tinted lenses)
Optometric vision therapy in our office to rebuild your visual skills
Home activities and a visual hygiene plan to promote optimal visual function
Adaptive strategies to compensate for symptoms during the rehabilitation process
Coordination with your current treatment, including medical care by your physician, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language and cognitive therapy and chiropractic care.