Concussion

Concussion is a common problem in everyday life. From a sports injury, motor vehicle accident, military service or even a simple slip and fall can result in a concussion. For many years, doctors failed to diagnose a concussion after a mild bump on the head. MRI studies were normal and patents were advised to “shake it off” and move on. Today, we realize that even a minor head injury can result in a concussion and that disability from a concussion is cumulative. We have also defined “Post Concussion Syndrome” that includes a host of vision and eye related problems that makes reading and close work uncomfortable or impossible.

The Doctors at Edmonds Eye Associates, longtime leaders in vision rehabilitation, have now helped develop a comprehensive program to help concussion patients with vision symptoms. Our program started at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia and evolved with the Jefferson Comprehensive Concussion Center. This was joint venture between Jefferson Hospital, the Rothman Institute and Wills Eye Hospital. From there, the program was integrated with the Low Vision Service at Wills Eye Hospital. Today, the program has expanded to include augmented reality and a remote web platform. These expanded services are available at our Center City, Drexel Hill, Malvern and Horsham locations.

A concussion can disrupt various visual processes, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life. These symptoms may include:

• Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing or maintaining clear vision.
• Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
• Double Vision: Seeing two images instead of one, often overlapping or offset.
• Eye Fatigue: Strain or exhaustion of the eyes, especially after prolonged visual tasks.
• Visual Processing Issues: Challenges with interpreting and making sense of visual information.
• Eye Movement Problems: Difficulty with tracking, shifting focus, or coordinating eye movements.

At Edmonds Eye Associates, we take a personalized approach to address your specific vision symptoms post-concussion. Our experienced team of optometrists and vision therapists offers a range of services tailored to your needs, including:

• Comprehensive Eye Exams: Thorough evaluation of visual function to identify any underlying issues contributing to your symptoms.
• Vision Therapy: Customized therapy programs designed to improve eye coordination, focusing abilities, and visual processing skills.
• Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation techniques to retrain and optimize visual pathways affected by the concussion.
• Prescription Eyewear: Prescribing glasses or contact lenses with specialized lenses to alleviate symptoms such as glare sensitivity or double vision.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Practical strategies and lifestyle modifications to minimize visual discomfort and support recovery.

Recovering from a concussion and its associated vision symptoms requires patience, persistence, and expert guidance. At Edmonds Eye Associates, we’re committed to empowering you on your journey to recovery. Our holistic approach combines cutting-edge techniques with compassionate care to help you regain confidence in your visual abilities and reclaim your quality of life.

Other medical problems can also mimic the vision and eye symptoms of concussion and can cause oculomotor dysfunction. These include, long COVID, Vestibular Neuritis, Migraines, Meniere’s disease and other events that may cause inflammation of swelling to the brain or central nervous system. Our doctors will work with your Neurologist, Otolaryngologists or other health care providers to provide a comprehensive treatment plan to get you back to a more normal and productive life.

Don’t let vision symptoms hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation with Edmonds Eye Associates today and let us help you navigate the path to clearer vision post-concussion. Together, we’ll work towards a brighter, more focused future.