Vision Concerns After a Concussion: What You Need to Know
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can significantly impact vision. Since more than 50% of the brain is involved in visual processing, it’s no surprise that many people experience visual disturbances after a head injury.
Common Vision Symptoms After a Concussion
Patients recovering from a concussion may experience:
- Blurred or double vision – Difficulty focusing or seeing objects clearly.
- Light sensitivity – Increased discomfort in bright environments.
- Eye strain and headaches – Fatigue while reading or using screens.
- Difficulty tracking or focusing – Trouble following moving objects or shifting focus between near and far distances.
- Dizziness and balance issues – Vision plays a key role in coordination, and disruptions can cause instability.
Why do these visual symptoms happen after a concussion?
1. Dysfunction in the Visual Pathways
Concussions can affect the way the brain processes signals from the eyes, particularly in areas like the thalamus and visual cortex. When these pathways are disrupted, the brain struggles to regulate light exposure properly, making normal light levels feel overwhelming.
2. Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls automatic functions like pupil response, can be affected by a concussion. If the ANS is out of balance, pupils may not constrict properly in bright environments, leading to excessive light entering the eyes and causing discomfort.
3. Inflammation and Neural Irritation
Brain injuries can lead to inflammation and irritation of neural pathways involved in vision. This heightened state of sensitivity can make the brain more reactive to light, leading to discomfort even in mildly bright settings.
4. Migraine-Like Effects
Many post-concussion patients experience symptoms similar to migraines, including photosensitivity. The same mechanisms that cause migraines—such as abnormal brain excitability and neurotransmitter imbalances—can contribute to light sensitivity after a concussion.
5. Disruptions in the Pupillary Light Reflex
The pupillary light reflex controls how the eyes adjust to changing light conditions. After a concussion, this reflex may be impaired, making it difficult for the eyes to adapt to different lighting levels, resulting in increased sensitivity.
Why an Optometric Evaluation is Important
Many post-concussion vision problems can persist without proper treatment. A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist trained in neuro-optometry can identify and address these issues. Treatments may include:
- Prescription lenses or specialized tints for light sensitivity.
- Vision therapy to improve eye coordination and focus.
- Strategies to reduce screen-related strain and discomfort.
When to Seek Help
If you or a loved one experiences lingering vision issues after a concussion, don’t wait for symptoms to be resolved on their own. Best practice is to reduce the chance of a second impact before full recovery. For the first week post-concussion, I recommend rest & sleep hygiene, light exercise, healthy anti-inflammatory diet, Omega 3 intake (3000mg of high DHA), and water intake. Early intervention can improve recovery and overall quality of life. If visual symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks, please book a functional vision assessment by calling our clinic. We will get you back on the path to clear, comfortable vision.
