Traumatic brain injuries and cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) can leave patients in a debilitated condition, often facing a long road to recovery. It takes an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team that may include physiatrists, internists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and optometrists to facilitate that recovery.
Double vision, headaches, eyestrain, inefficient reading, photosensitivity, imbalance, dizziness, visual field loss, poor memory, difficulty with comprehension and poor attention/concentration are all symptoms that the acquired brain injured patient may experience. Visual dysfunctions that are commonly associated include binocular (eye teaming), accommodative (eye focusing) and oculomotor (eye tracking) anomalies. Vision rehabilitation entails a comprehensive evaluation and may use such tools as lenses, prisms, vision therapy and magnification devices to overcome these deficiencies.
Improving visual function and reducing symptoms can enhance the patient’s function in other aspects of rehabilitation as well as basic activities of daily living. If you or someone you know has recently suffered from a traumatic brain injury or stroke, this service is an integral part in the steps to rehabilitation.