Visual effects of concussion: A review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Concussion, a brain injury from force transmission, frequently causes visual symptoms due to the brain's extensive involvement in vision.
• Visual and oculomotor abnormalities are common in both acute concussion and persistent post-concussion syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of concussion's impact on vision.
• To highlight the role of ophthalmic assessments in concussion evaluation.
• To discuss rehabilitation strategies for visual dysfunction after concussion.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on concussion and visual function.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools including rapid automized naming, eye movement assessments (convergence, eye-tracking, VOMS).
• Exploration of orthoptic exercises for rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• Concussion frequently leads to visual symptoms affecting brain function.
• Ophthalmic assessments, including convergence, eye-tracking, and VOMS, are valuable for acute concussion diagnosis.
• Abnormalities in convergence, accommodation, and smooth pursuit are noted in post-concussion syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Vision and eye movement assessments are crucial for evaluating concussion.
• Orthoptic exercises offer a viable rehabilitation pathway for individuals with post-concussion visual deficits.
• Ophthalmic practices play a significant role in concussion management and recovery.