A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Concussions happen during sports, from falling, during car or bicycle accidents and from anything that shakes the brain inside the skull, such as a powerful blast. While most symptoms from a mild brain injury usually go away after a few months, we are learning that vision can be affected for years. According to recent medical research:

“Long-term visual dysfunction after mTBI is common even years after injury despite excellent distance visual acuity, and is more frequent if more than one incidence of mbTBI occurred” (Magone, Kwon & Soo, 2014).

In other words, vision problems can continue years after the mild head injury, even if eyesight seems normal.

Why is this Important?

We understand now that a process called accommodation is affected by mTBI. Accommodation is what the eye does when it adjusts to look at objects near, far, or at moving objects. The brain sends signals to the eye causing small muscles to contract or relax, which in turn changes the curvature of the lens or pupil.

mTBI can affect the communication pathway between the brain and the eye that controls how the eyes react. This results in slower accommodation, which means it takes a bit longer for the eyes to focus or adjust. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, problems reading or mild nausea/dizziness are all possible for years after the initial head injury.

Research demonstrates this has a direct impact on quality of life and for some, the ability to keep working. Luckily, with the right vision tests and therapy, 90% of individuals who suffer from accommodation problems after mTBI can helped.

Dr. Greg Vigna: Eye and Brain Injury Attorney

As rehabilitation physician, Dr. Vigna understands the challenges faced when recovering from an accident or injury of any severity. He works closely with leading eye specialists throughout the U.S. For a free case evaluation, please contact our offices at 800-761-9206.

Green, W., Ciuffreda, K., Thiagarajan, P., Szymanowicz, D. Ludlam, D. Kapoor, N. (2010). Accommodation in mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 47 (3). 183-200

Magone, M., Kwon, E., & Soo Y., S. (2014). Chronic visual dysfunction after blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury. Journal Of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 51(1), 71-80. doi:10.1682/JRRD.2013.01.0008