Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injuries (ABI) can include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, strokes, and other neurological events.  In addition, patients experiencing visual snow syndrome (VSS) and visual-vestibular conditions can be assessed during this evaluation.

Visual sequela of ABI impacts activities of daily function including depth perception awareness, visual comfort and clarity (especially during prolonged near work), balance and posture while walking, and navigating through unfamiliar, noisy, and/or crowded environments.

Common Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Light sensitivity
  • Loss of place when reading
  • Blurry vision
  • Visual motion sensitivity
  • Decreased reading comprehension and speed
  • Eyestrain
  • Double vision or diplopia
  • Dizziness/nausea
  • Decreased concentration
  • Balance and posture problems
  • Visual fatigue
  • Words running together when reading
  • Poor depth perception
  • Peripheral vision difficulties
  • Bumping into objects
  • Visual distortions or disturbances (e.g., visual snow, floaters, flashes)

Treatment Options

Spectacles which may include prisms and tints. Multiple pairs may be recommended depending on the symptoms.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy to treat dysfunctions related to oculomotor (eye tracking), binocular (eye teaming), accommodation (eye focusing), visual-vestibular, and visual processing/perceptual performance.  Therapy may include optometric light therapy.

Exam / Visit Expectations

Typically, the evaluation requires two or more appointments depending on the severity of the symptoms and conditions.

  • Comprehensive eye exam includes a refraction (determination of glasses prescription) and a dilated ocular health evaluation.
  • Neuro-optometric rehabilitation evaluation specifically assesses the oculomotor (eye tracking), binocular (eye teaming), accommodation (eye focusing), visual-vestibular, and visual processing/perceptual functions.  In addition, further testing related to light sensitivity, motion sensitivity, postural abnormalities, and visual field loss will be performed.

Patient Resources or at home actions

College of Optometrists in Vision Development

The Optometric Extension Program Foundation

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association