Clinical testing of mild traumatic brain injury using computerised eye-tracking tests

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including mild cases (mTBI), alters brain function after head impact.
• mTBI diagnosis is challenging due to a lack of objective criteria and can impact patient confidence.
• Visual symptoms are common after mTBI, positioning optometrists to play a key role in detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of optometrists in diagnosing and monitoring mTBI.
• To introduce eye-tracking as an objective diagnostic tool for mTBI.
• To review clinical tests for assessing mTBI-related oculomotor, attentional, and exteroceptive deficits.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical tests relevant to optometrists for mTBI assessment.
• Exploration of eye-tracking technology for objective mTBI diagnosis.
• Discussion of quantifiable parameters measurable by eye-tracking.

Main Results:

• Eye tracking offers quantifiable metrics for assessing deficits difficult to measure with conventional tests.
• Optometrists can utilize specific tests to uncover oculomotor, attentional, and exteroceptive impairments post-mTBI.
• The integration of eye tracking enhances the ability to accurately detect and monitor mTBI.

Conclusions:

• Optometrists are well-positioned to contribute to mTBI detection and management.
• Eye tracking provides an objective, quantifiable method to aid mTBI diagnosis and recovery monitoring.
• This approach empowers optometrists to play a more significant role in addressing mTBI symptoms.