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Understanding Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome And How Vision Therapy Can Help

Post Trauma Vision SyndromePost-trauma vision syndrome (PTVS), also known as post-concussion vision syndrome, is a condition that affects individuals after sustaining a head injury or trauma. It can result in a number of vision-related symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.

Fortunately, vision therapy offers an effective treatment approach to address PTVS symptoms and enhance visual function. In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of PTVS, its causes, diagnosis, prognosis, and how vision therapy at Focus Vision Development Center can provide relief.

What is Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome?

Post-traumatic vision syndrome (PTVS) is a condition that affects the way the brain processes and interprets visual information, leading to a range of visual symptoms including blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, and dizziness. PTVS can occur even if there is no obvious injury to the eyes themselves.

Signs and Symptoms of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome

1. Blurred or Double Vision

Individuals with PTVS may experience difficulty focusing their eyes on objects, leading to blurred or double vision.

2. Sensitivity to Light and Glare

Increased sensitivity to light, especially bright or fluorescent lighting, can be another symptom of PTVS.

3. Eye Strain and Headaches

Frequent headaches and eye strain are common symptoms, particularly after performing visual tasks that require sustained focus.

4. Difficulty Reading

PTVS can make reading challenging, causing words to appear to move or jump on the page.

5. Poor Depth Perception

Depth perception is the ability to accurately judge distances between objects in our visual field and individuals with PVTS may struggle with this, leading to coordination problems like an inability to climb or go down stairs.

6. Reduced Attention and Concentration

PTVS can also negatively affect attention and concentration, making it difficult to sustain focus for extended periods. This often hinders one’s ability to read or study, among other things.

Causes of Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome

PTVS is typically associated with head injuries, such as concussions, but can also happen as a result of:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Sports-related trauma or accidents
  • Car accidents or falls
  • Blows to the head or face
  • Explosions or blasts near the head
  • Any blunt-force or other trauma that affects the head or brain

Diagnosis and Prognosis of Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome

PVTS is best addressed and treated by an optometrist with a focus on vision therapy. So it is essential to reach out to an eye doctor near you if you suspect you have symptoms related to PTVS. Contact Focus Vision, Camillus, NY today.

Your optometrist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your visual system, including visual acuity, eye teaming, tracking, and depth perception tests. Through this evaluation, they can diagnose PTVS and determine the severity of your symptoms.

The prognosis for PTVS varies depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. However, with proper diagnosis and vision therapy, significant improvement in visual function and symptom reduction can be achieved.

How Vision Therapy Can Help Treat PTVS

Vision therapy is a specialized program designed to improve visual skills and alleviate visual discomfort caused by conditions like PTVS. It involves a series of customized eye exercises and activities that aim to retrain the brain and improve visual processing.

Here's how vision therapy can help individuals with PTVS:

  • Visual Rehabilitation

Vision therapy exercises target specific visual skills, such as eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye tracking, to enhance overall visual function.

  • Eye-Hand Coordination

Vision therapy activities can improve eye-hand coordination, helping individuals regain their motor skills and perform daily tasks more efficiently.

  • Visual Perception

Therapy sessions focus on improving visual processing and perception, allowing individuals to interpret and understand visual information more accurately.

  • Light Sensitivity Management

Vision therapy can help individuals cope with light sensitivity by teaching strategies to minimize discomfort and protect the eyes in bright environments.

  • Reading Efficiency

Vision therapy includes exercises to enhance reading skills, such as improving tracking abilities, reducing word movement, and increasing reading speed.

Vision Therapy In Camillus, NY

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms associated with PTVS, seek an optometrist near you. At Focus Vision in Camillus, New York, our qualified optometrists can provide a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan to address your specific visual needs. Schedule an appointment today.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us and discover the benefits of vision therapy for post-trauma vision syndrome.