Brain injury & post-trauma vision syndrome

Even a mild brain injury or concussion can have a significant impact on daily life. Studies have shown that in the region of 75% of all brain injuries result in some form of visual disturbance. Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) refers to a range of vision problems that can occur following a brain injury.

It encompasses a variety of visual problems that may arise after a brain injury, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). These vision issues can affect how the eyes work together and how visual information is processed by the brain.

PTVS can manifest in different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Difficulty reading or focussing
• Balance problems
• Eye strain or headaches
• Problems with depth perception or judging distances
• Difficulties processing or integrating vision with other senses
• Visual field loss or visual disturbances

What is visual rehabilitation?

Visual rehabilitation is a personalised programme designed to address specific vision problems resulting from brain injury. It involves various therapies and exercises aimed at improving visual skills, such as eye tracking, focusing, and depth perception. Additionally, specialised optical solutions can help; such as precision tints, filters and prisms.

The goal is to strengthen and enhance visual function and independence in daily activities. The body is very resilient, and it is possible to help reconfigure our visual system through a dedicated neuro-optometric assessment. This often includes incorporating other senses and skills such as motor and balance.

Every person is different and every brain injury is different, therefore neuro-optometry consultations are not prescriptive; an individual, tailored programme of tests and exercises is compiled in advance of your appointment to fully explore and understand your vision and symptoms.

Visual Stress

Visual stress is a condition resulting from sensory overload in our visual system. Everyone will experience visual stress to some degree (e.g. the discomfort felt when looking at a finely-striped shirt), however some people will find the sensations and symptoms highly debilitating. It occurs when certain visual patterns or stimuli trigger discomfort or strain in the eyes and brain and manifests with symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or glare; especially in artificial lighting and supermarkets.

These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, especially those involving prolonged visual concentration. Visual stress is associated with dyslexia, however they are separate entities and you can have one without the other. Visual stress has also been reported in patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury.

Visual Snow Syndrome

Visual snow syndrome can be considered the visual equivalent of tinnitus. The exact cause of visual snow syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal processing of visual signals in the brain. Certain factors, such as migraines, head injuries, or drug use, may trigger or exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.

Visual snow syndrome is characterized by the perception of tiny, flickering dots or static-like patterns across the visual field. These visual disturbances can resemble "static" on a television screen and may be accompanied by other visual symptoms such as:

• Light sensitivity
• Reduced night vision
• Excessive floaters or flashing lights
• After-images

Visual snow syndrome is also associated with systemic symptoms, such as:

• Insomnia
• Depersonalisation
• Brain fog and confusion
• Tingling
• Sensory hypersensitivity
• Tinnitus

What to expect from a neuro-optometric consultation

Prior to your visit, it is important to establish what problems you are currently experiencing and what we hope to achieve from an assessment. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss this and decide whether an appointment is appropriate. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss the process in more detail.

Before you attend, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. This is designed to capture your current symptoms and incorporates a number of internationally recognised symptom surveys; giving us measures that we can use to track symptom improvement during your therapy.

The consultation itself is 2-hours, although this can be split across two separate visits if you become fatigued. Following the appointment, there may be a number of assistive devices which may be recommended; such as lenses, tints and prisms. In addition, there may be a range of therapy-based exercises that you may need to complete in advance of your next appointment.

All of the findings and recommendations will be included in a comprehensive medical report that you will receive shortly after your consultation. This can be shared with other professionals and employers if necessary.

Do I need a referral?

No; you are able to self-refer if you feel that a neuro-optometric consultation may be beneficial. I also accept referrals from other professionals, such as neuro-physios, occupational therapists and case managers. I also am happy to take on medico-legal case work. If you have a patient or client that you feel may benefit from an assessment, please get in touch.