Concussions and the Effects on Eye Health | Wicks Eyecare

A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have lasting effects beyond headaches and memory issues. Because more than 50% of the brain is involved in visual processing, concussions often disrupt eye function, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, difficulty reading, and eye strain.
Wicks Eyecare in Keilor provides comprehensive post-concussion eye exams to assess vision changes and recommend personalised treatment options to aid in recovery.

How Does a Concussion Affect Vision?

A concussion is a form of mild brain injury that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden impact or jolt. This trauma can disrupt the connection between the brain and eyes, leading to visual disturbances that affect daily life.
Common vision-related effects of a concussion include:

Blurred or Double Vision – Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly at different distances.
Light Sensitivity (Photophobia) – Increased discomfort in bright environments or when using screens.
Headaches and Eye Strain – Persistent discomfort when reading, watching TV, or working on a computer.
Dizziness and Balance Issues – Problems with depth perception or tracking moving objects.
Difficulty with Eye Coordination – Struggles with keeping both eyes aligned, leading to double vision or tired eyes.

For many concussion patients, these symptoms persist for weeks or even months without proper assessment and treatment.

Post-Concussion Vision Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve suffered a head injury-whether from a fall, car accident, or sports-related impact-you should monitor for the following vision-related symptoms:

Difficulty focusing or reading
Motion sickness or dizziness when in busy environments
Sensitivity to light or screens
Struggles with eye tracking and coordination
Frequent headaches after visual tasks

Even if your vision seems fine, a comprehensive eye exam can detect underlying issues that may not be immediately obvious.

How Wicks Eyecare Diagnoses Post-Concussion Vision Issues

At Wicks Eyecare, we conduct detailed post-concussion eye exams using advanced diagnostic technology. Our assessments include:

Eye Tracking & Movement Testing: Checking how well the eyes work together when reading or following objects.
Binocular Vision Assessment: Evaluating eye coordination and alignment.
Light Sensitivity Testing: Identifying issues related to photophobia and discomfort in bright environments.
Neurological Visual Screening: Assessing how the brain processes visual information after a concussion.

These tests help us understand the extent of your visual dysfunction and create a customised treatment plan for recovery.

Treatment Options for Post-Concussion Vision Problems

Specialised Glasses and Lenses
- Tinted Lenses: Help reduce light sensitivity and visual discomfort.
- Prism Lenses: Correct double vision and improve depth perception.
Vision Therapy
- A structured program of eye exercises designed to improve coordination, focus, and tracking abilities.
- Helps retrain the brain to process visual information correctly.
Eye Rest and Gradual Visual Exposure
- Managing screen time and exposure to bright lights can help reduce strain and improve recovery.
- Patients with visual motion sensitivity may need structured exposure to movement and complex environments.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers
- We work alongside neurologists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists to create a comprehensive recovery plan.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Without proper diagnosis and management, post-concussion vision problems can linger, affecting work, school, and daily activities.
Seeking early intervention can:

Reduce headaches, dizziness, and visual discomfort
Improve reading, focusing, and eye coordination
Enhance quality of life and overall recovery

At Wicks Eyecare, we are committed to helping patients regain clear, comfortable vision after a concussion.

Book a Post-Concussion Eye Exam Today

If you’ve recently had a head injury or concussion, don’t ignore potential vision problems. The sooner these issues are identified, the sooner we can help you recover and return to normal activities.
Contact Wicks Eyecare in Keilor to schedule a post-concussion eye exam.