Visual Rehabilitation After a Car Accident

Dr. Russel Lazarus, February 6, 2022
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Over 90% of people who sustain a concussion from a car accident suffer from visual symptoms.

According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million concussions are reported each year in the United States — and car accidents are among the highest contributors.

Visual rehabilitation is an evidence-based program proven to treat visual problems that surface following a concussion or any other head or brain injury.

Symptoms of a concussion

If you’ve been in a car accident and suspect you’ve sustained a concussion, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling dazed or confused
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Mood swings or a change in personality
  • Clumsy movements
  • Feeling depressed or sluggish
  • Delayed response time when asked simple questions

SEE RELATED: Vision and Brain Injuries

If you have suffered a car accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact an eye doctor near you.

Find a Vision Therapy Eye Doctor Near You

Signs of visual problems after a concussion

Following a car accident, up to 9 out of 10 people will experience double or blurry vision and light sensitivity.

Even a small bump or hit to the head can cause a concussion, and along with it, a number of debilitating symptoms.

Oftentimes, visual symptoms that result from a concussion will only surface after some time has passed — but once they surface, they can persist for days, weeks or even years after the incident.

Common visual problems from a concussion include:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred distance or near vision
  • Poor depth perception
  • Problems with eye focusing
  • Double vision
  • Loss of gaze fixation
  • Inability to track words across a page

How can visual rehabilitation help?

Many vision problems following a concussion require the intervention of a neuro-optometrist who can provide neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy to help improve your visual symptoms.

Visual rehabilitation is based on neuroplasticity, the ability for the brain to recover lost function after a traumatic event.

Visual rehabilitation is a personalized program that involves science-based eye exercises and activities to strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain to help alleviate your visual symptoms and improve your quality of life.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Neuro-Optometry

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you if you have suffered a car accident and feel your vision is not what it used to be.

Following a car accident up to 9 out of 10 people will suffer from double or blurry vision and light sensitivity.

Visual rehabilitation is an evidence-based program to treat the visual problems experienced after head injuries and concussions.