If you get a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also called a concussion, you might expect to have symptoms like headache, dizziness or confusion. But you might overlook a symptom that many people have after mTBI: vision changes.
A mild traumatic brain injury happens when a jolt or impact strikes your brain. These injuries can happen from a fall, car accident, sports injury or blow to the head. Even though the word mild is part of the description, these injuries can cause symptoms and lead to complications.
“The brain and eyes are connected. When one gets hit it affects the other,” said Inga Fors, a neuro-optometrist with Banner - University Medicine. A concussion can make past vision problems worse and may cause new symptoms. These changes happen because the brain’s ability to process visual information may be disrupted.
How can mTBI affect vision?
Your brain plays a crucial role in processing the visual information that your eyes send to it. When an injury occurs, it can affect the areas of the brain responsible for controlling vision. This can lead to a variety of vision-related problems, which can interfere with everyday activities like reading, driving or just going about your daily routine.
“Traumatic brain injuries can cause a range of visual issues, from blurry vision and difficulty keeping your place when reading to double vision and reduced visual memory. Because visual information is processed in many areas of the brain, these issues are common with injuries,” said Neha Amin, an optometrist with Banner - University Medicine
Common vision changes after mTBI
If you have a concussion, you may notice:
- Blurred vision: Blurred vision happens when your brain has trouble focusing or adjusting to changes in light and distance. It is one of the most common symptoms of mTBI. It can make it hard to read, watch TV or perform other tasks that require clear vision.
- Double vision (diplopia): Double vision can happen when the eyes are not properly aligned because the brain has trouble coordinating the movements of both eyes. Double vision may make it harder to focus on objects, which can be frustrating and disorienting. It can also cause problems with balance and coordination.
- Light sensitivity (photophobia): A concussion can affect the way the brain processes light, making your eyes more sensitive. Bright lights, sunlight or fluorescent lighting may cause discomfort or strain.
- Difficulty focusing or tracking: You might have trouble keeping your focus on objects, especially if they are moving. It can be hard to read or follow along with activities like watching sports. Struggling to track objects with your eyes can also lead to headaches or dizziness.
- Visual field loss: You may notice blind spots that can make it hard to drive or make your way through crowded spaces. You may also have less peripheral vision or depth perception.
“Most people are surprised by the degree to which these changes impact even simple daily activities, such as grocery shopping. Stores have bright lights, lots of sounds, moving through people and a ton of stimulation and it can make symptoms worse and often intolerable,” Dr. Amin said.
When to seek medical help for vision changes
“Lots of people have adrenaline flowing after accidents or during sports, but after 24 to 48 hours they begin to feel symptoms. The earlier things are caught and treatment is sought, the better the outcome,” Dr. Fors said.
“If you notice any changes in your vision after an mTBI, it’s important to consult a health care provider as soon as possible,” Dr. Amin said. “Delaying care makes it harder to manage and improve symptoms.”
A lot of concussion symptoms will get better over time, but without treatment symptoms can last much longer and cause new problems. “For example, with double vision people often start closing an eye or tilting their head — this prolongs the issue and can cause neck pain and other issues,” Dr. Amin said.
Diagnosing vision changes from mTBI
To diagnose concussion-related vision changes, your provider may perform an eye exam and might order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out more serious injury.
They may refer you to a neuro-optometrist or neuro-ophthalmologist — health care providers who specialize in vision and brain function.
“You need a full binocular vision workup, which looks at how the eyes and brain are taxed and how they recover, along with tests of eye movements, depth perception and accommodations,” Dr. Fors said.
Treating and managing vision changes after mTBI
Recovering from vision changes due to concussion can take time. These options may help you manage your symptoms:
- Vision therapy: Exercises and training to help improve eye coordination and focus.
- Corrective lenses: Prescription glasses or special lenses to help with focusing or light sensitivity.
- Environmental adjustments: Minimizing screen time, using softer lighting and taking regular breaks can reduce strain on the eyes.
- Rehabilitation: Working with an occupational therapist can help retrain the brain and eyes to better work together.
Recovery and outlook
The good news is that many vision changes following a mild traumatic brain injury improve with time and treatment. In most cases, your brain can heal and the symptoms will clear up. It’s important to work with your health care provider to monitor your recovery and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
The bottom line
Vision changes after a mild traumatic brain injury are common, but you can manage them with the right care. Whether it’s blurred vision, light sensitivity or double vision, getting care for these issues early can help you get back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
If you notice any vision changes after an injury, contact your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health to learn about your treatment options so you can get started with recovery.
