Concussion & Vision

A large share of the brain is devoted to vision, so concussions and brain injuries frequently disrupt the visual system — even when eyesight itself is fine. The result is a cluster of symptoms that can linger long after the rest of recovery is on track.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation uses lenses, prism, and individualized therapy to help the visual system reorganize and stabilize, often alongside physical and occupational therapy.

Vision Therapy After Concussion

Concussion vision therapy goes by several names: neuro vision therapy, neuro-optometric vision therapy, or post-concussion vision rehabilitation. They all mean the same thing: treatment for the vision problems after a concussion or other brain injury that do not settle on their own, such as double vision, eye tracking problems, slow focusing, light sensitivity and dizziness in busy places. It starts with a developmental vision evaluation, because the right plan depends on which visual skills the injury disrupted.

Why an Eye Exam Matters After Head Trauma

An eye exam conducted by a trained developmental optometrist can uncover subtle yet significant visual deficits that a vision screening or a routine eye-chart exam will not pick up. Early detection and appropriate management of vision problems are essential for optimizing recovery and preventing long-term issues. Whether it is prescribing corrective lenses, recommending vision therapy, or monitoring progress over time, the exam gives valuable insight into the overall health of your visual system.

When Should I Have My Vision Evaluated After a Head Injury?

After a concussion, a vision evaluation belongs in the overall assessment of your health. Vision problems are common after head injuries, and prompt evaluation by an optometrist who works in post-concussion care helps identify and manage them. As a general guide:

1. Immediate evaluation. If you have significant vision problems right after the concussion — double vision, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing — seek attention promptly from a developmental optometrist.
2. Within the first week. Even with no immediate vision complaints, a baseline vision assessment in the first week helps identify subtle visual issues that may develop or worsen over time.
3. Ongoing evaluation. Some concussion-related vision problems do not become apparent until days, weeks, or even months after the injury. Monitor your vision and come back for follow-up if you notice changes or new symptoms — persistent headaches, eye strain, or difficulty with visual tasks.
4. Rehabilitation and vision therapy. Depending on what the evaluation finds, vision therapy or neuro-optometric rehabilitation may be recommended to address specific visual deficits; it can be highly effective at improving visual function and reducing discomfort.
5. Return-to-play assessment. For an athlete — child or adult — a vision evaluation belongs in the comprehensive assessment before returning to sport or other physical activity, so that a vision problem does not become a risk during exertion. See also sports vision.

Every concussion is unique, so the timing and extent of a vision evaluation vary with individual circumstances. Working closely with a developmental optometrist experienced in concussion management is how you land on the right timing and approach — and early intervention with appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life during recovery.

Concussion Management Is a Team Effort

After a concussion it is essential to seek medical evaluation and care — to stay safe, to watch for complications, and to manage symptoms effectively. Depending on how the injury happened and what you are experiencing, these are the healthcare professionals worth consulting:

• Primary care physician — assesses your overall health, examines you, and evaluates your symptoms. They guide symptom management, monitor your recovery, and refer you on to specialists when that is needed.
• Neurologist — for a severe concussion, or persistent or severe symptoms, a specialist in disorders of the nervous system and brain provides expert evaluation and guidance.
• Sports medicine specialist — if the concussion happened during sport or physical activity, they assess the injury, guide return-to-play decisions, and advise on prevention.
• Neuropsychologist — specializes in cognitive and emotional functioning, and can test for changes in memory, attention, and other cognitive skills after a concussion.
• Developmental optometrist — vision problems are common after concussions. An eye specialist evaluates vision-related issues such as double vision, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing and recommends appropriate treatment, including vision therapy. This is the part of the team we take care of.
• ENT specialist — for ear-related symptoms such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance problems.
• Physical therapist — helps address the balance and coordination problems that can follow a concussion, with exercises and therapies to rebuild those functions.
• Speech therapist — for speech or communication difficulties, with therapy to improve speech, language, and cognitive-communication skills.
• Psychologist or psychiatrist — emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood changes are common after a concussion; mental health professionals provide counseling and support.
• Rehabilitation specialist — when persistent symptoms affect your ability to perform daily activities, they build a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to aid recovery.

It is crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, your medical history, and any change in your condition. We all work together to create a personalized treatment plan and to guide you through the recovery process. Our referral list of other health practitioners — the occupational and physical therapists we work alongside across Broward and Palm Beach counties — is a good place to start; providers who would like to send us a patient can use our referral page.

Not sure whether what you are noticing is visual? Our symptom checklist is a quick way to organize your symptoms before an appointment, and Can Vision Therapy Help After a Brain Injury? covers the same ground for more serious head injuries. Related topics: vision rehabilitation, dizziness and balance, headaches and eye strain, and double vision.

Care starts with a comprehensive developmental and binocular vision evaluation that pinpoints exactly what's happening. From there, Dr. Murray builds an individualized plan — which may include lenses or prism, in-office vision therapy, and coordination with your other providers — at our Boynton Beach and Boca Raton offices.