Important Disclaimer:
If your child experiences a severe concussion with symptoms such as loss of consciousness, confusion, repeated vomiting, seizures, or persistent worsening headaches, seek immediate medical attention and bring them to the nearest emergency room. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent care.
Concussion & Vision
When a child suffers a concussion, it affects the brain in many ways – and one of the most common impacts is on vision.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can lead to changes in the brain’s normal functioning, resulting in a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
Common Causes of Concussions
How a Concussion Affects Your Child’s Vision
Concussions can have a significant impact on your child’s vision, leading to both temporary and long-term problems. After a concussion, the brain’s ability to process visual information can be disrupted, making it harder for your child to focus, read, or even navigate their environment. This is because the brain and eyes work together to interpret what we see, and a concussion can interfere with this coordination.
Common Vision Issues After a Concussion
In some cases, a concussion may also disrupt the brain’s control over eye movements, causing misalignment (strabismus) or making it harder for the eyes to track objects properly. This can result in double vision or difficulty following moving objects.
How Concussion Affects the Brain?
A concussion affects the brain’s communication pathways, including those responsible for controlling eye movements and processing visual information. As a result, the brain may struggle to coordinate both eyes and process visual information accurately, leading to the symptoms mentioned above.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
- Blurred or double vision
- Frequent headaches, especially when reading or focusing
- Eye strain or discomfort after using a device or reading
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Trouble with depth perception, affecting activities like sports or driving
If your child is showing any of these symptoms after a concussion, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist who specializes in post-concussion care. Early detection and treatment can help your child recover more quickly and prevent long-term vision issues.
What You Can Do?
Vision problems after a concussion can have a significant impact on your child’s daily activities. Difficulty with reading or concentrating can affect school performance, while balance issues or double vision can make physical activities, including sports, more challenging and unsafe. Since many children may not recognise the link between their concussion and vision problems, it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in their visual behaviour.
At Eyecare Kids, we have a special interest in children’s vision care, with a focus on supporting recovery from concussions. Our experienced team works closely with your child’s GP to provide a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring seamless coordination with all healthcare providers for the best outcomes.
If you suspect your child’s vision has been impacted by a concussion, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with one of our friendly optometrists. Early intervention is key in identifying and managing vision problems, which can significantly speed up your child’s recovery process. We’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your child’s vision is properly addressed as part of their overall recovery.
