

The ability to track and focus on moving objects ( pursuit eye movements) or scan and shift visual focus from one object to another ( saccades) are the most prominent deficits observed by researchers. Weakened, delayed or otherwise abnormal eye movements are also frequently present for patients and are particularly noticeable for those with persistent post-concussion syndrome. Other muscle inflammation as well as light exposure (for a photophobic or inherently light-sensitive patient) can also lead to eye pain after a mild traumatic brain injury. This is when one of the muscles around the eye contracts and stays contracted for an extended period of time. The trauma that caused the concussion can sometimes create what is known as an accommodation spasm which can make the eye hurt. Sometimes the eyes just hurt, whether it is a stabbing pain, a dull ache in or around the eye, or even redness, burning and itchiness. Although less common, vision loss can also be neurological in origin-represented by trauma to the main optic nerve in the back of the eye or brain dysfunction that affects the visual pathway. In some cases, direct injury to the eye may be visible and indicated by lacerations, bruising, broken blood vessels, and swelling in the area. For instance, he or she might experience blind spots in the periphery or have reduced vision in one half of the visual field. Partial or complete loss of vision can also occur post head trauma, often taking on different forms depending on the patient.

6-7 This may also explain the high prevalence of concussion-related headache disorders as well, which also can contribute to a person’s sensory sensitivities.Ĭlick here if you have post-concussion light sensitivity ➜ Vision loss The force of the trauma can cause displacement, irritation, or injury in several pain-sensitive brain-related structures. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is also a residual effect of a concussion and can be exacerbated by specific light sources, such as bright sunlight and fluorescent lighting recent studies have also suggested that LCD screens (such as from computers or smartphone devices) can be particularly harmful for light sensitivity after concussion. In addition, this can result in other physiological or cognitive complications such as: dizziness poor balance eyestrain difficulty reading or concentrating. Double or blurred vision after a head injury might also indicate a more serious neurological disorder, such as migraine with aura or migraine-associated vertigo. This can stem from what is known as convergence insufficiency in effect, the alignment of the eyes diverge when trying to focus on nearby objects.

Blurred or double visionīlurry or double vision (diplopia) are a common complaint after a concussion and may result from damage to the muscles and/or nerves around the eye. (Think post-concussion headaches which also leads to eye pain and light sensitivity, for example.) Regardless, we explore each of these symptoms in depth below. Some of these may directly affect ocular function while others may be part of an impairment with vestibular or neurological systems-which ultimately causes the eye or vision issues. Among adolescents, nearly half had been clinically diagnosed with more than one eye symptom as result of their concussion. Eye symptoms are a frequent side effect of a concussion, and studies have found that vision problems may affect 69% to 82% of concussed patients, regardless of age. For those who have experienced any type of head trauma that results in a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, you probably are well aware that there can be numerous eye-related problems that result.
