Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2024
Chronic visual dysfunction after blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury
M Teresa Magone1, Ellen Kwon, Soo Y Shin
1Department of Surgery/Eye Clinic, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422. maria.magone@va.gov.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term visual dysfunction in patients after blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mbTBI) using a retrospective case series of 31 patients with mbTBI (>12 mo prior) without eye injuries. Time since mbTBI was 50.5 +/- 19.8 mo. Age at the time of injury was 30.0 +/- 8.3 yr. Mean corrected visual acuity was 20/20. Of the patients, 71% (n = 22) experienced loss of consciousness; 68% (n = 15) of patients in this subgroup were dismounted during the blast injury. Overall, 68% (n = 21) of patients had visual complaints. The most common complaints were photophobia (55%) and difficulty with reading (32%). Of all patients, 25% were diagnosed with convergence insufficiency and 23% had accommodative insufficiency. Patients with more than one mbTBI had a higher rate of visual complaints (87.5%). Asymptomatic patients had a significantly longer time (62.5 +/- 6.2 mo) since the mbTBI than symptomatic patients (42.0 +/- 16.4 mo, p < 0.004). Long-term visual dysfunction after mbTBI is common even years after injury despite excellent distance visual acuity and is more frequent if more than one incidence of mbTBI occurred. We recommend obtaining a careful medical history, evaluation of symptoms, and binocular vision assessment during routine eye examinations in this prepresbyopic patient population.
Insights
Long-term visual dysfunction is common after blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mbTBI), even years later. Multiple mbTBI incidents increase the risk of persistent visual complaints like photophobia and reading difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Vision Science
Background:
- Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mbTBI) can lead to persistent neurological deficits.
- Visual dysfunction following TBI is a recognized but often underdiagnosed complication.
- Long-term effects of mbTBI on visual health require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of long-term visual dysfunction in patients with a history of mbTBI.
- To identify factors associated with visual complaints after mbTBI.
- To assess the impact of mbTBI on visual acuity, photophobia, reading ability, and binocular vision.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 31 patients with mbTBI over 12 months prior, excluding eye injuries.
- Analysis of medical history, visual complaints, and binocular vision assessments.
- Comparison of visual outcomes between patients with single versus multiple mbTBI events.
Main Results:
- 68% of patients reported long-term visual complaints, most commonly photophobia (55%) and difficulty with reading (32%).
- Convergence insufficiency (25%) and accommodative insufficiency (23%) were frequently diagnosed.
- Patients with multiple mbTBI incidents showed a higher rate of visual complaints (87.5%).
- Asymptomatic patients had a significantly longer duration since mbTBI compared to symptomatic patients.
Conclusions:
- Long-term visual dysfunction is prevalent after mbTBI, persisting despite normal distance visual acuity.
- The risk of visual complaints increases with multiple mbTBI occurrences.
- Routine eye examinations should include thorough history taking, symptom evaluation, and binocular vision assessment for patients with mbTBI history.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction