Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Vision Problems in Children with Optical and Vision Care Products

When a child suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), there can be a multitude of after-effects, including vision problems. The importance of treating these problems quickly and accurately cannot be overstated, as untreated vision problems can seriously impact a child’s development both academically and socially.

It is essential to understand the various issues that can cause visual disturbances following a TBI. These may include difficulties with visual acuity, loss of visual fields, double vision, or difficulty with eye movement control.

Visual Acuity and Loss of Visual Fields

After a TBI, children may experience changes in visual acuity, which is the sharpness of vision. This could manifest as difficulty seeing things clearly or needing to get closer to an object to see it clearly. Furthermore, children may also see a loss of visual fields, which can lead to problems like bumping into or tripping over objects, a lack of awareness of objects in their surroundings, and difficulty navigating crowded spaces.

Double Vision

Double vision is one of the most common complaints of children who have suffered from a TBI. This creates significant discomfort and can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. It is akin to seeing two separate images of the same object, and it can make reading difficult or impossible, as well as hinder coordination and depth perception.

Difficulty with Eye Movement Control

The brain is responsible for controlling the movements of the eyes. As a result, any brain injury affecting the areas of the brain responsible for eye movement can cause visual problems. A child may have difficulty tracking moving objects or problems with being able to shift their gaze accurately.

Conclusion

Untreated vision problems resulting from a TBI can have far-reaching effects on a child’s life. That’s why it is essential to have regular eye checkups after a TBI and to report any suspected vision problems to an eye care professional immediately. With proper diagnosis and treatment, children can get back to learning, playing, and living confidently.

• visual disturbances can significantly impact a child’s development
• visual acuity may be affected following a TBI
• double vision can cause significant discomfort and hinder coordination and perception
• It is essential to have regular eye checkups after a TBI