Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Ophthalmologic Implications.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly leads to visual pathway dysfunctions.
• Symptoms range from reduced visual acuity and fields to optic neuropathy and oculomotor deficits.
• Underdiagnosis is prevalent despite treatable visual deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of recognizing visual symptoms post-TBI.
• To discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• To explore the potential of advanced imaging in TBI research.

Main Methods:

• Review of visual symptoms and their impact on the visual pathway.
• Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.
• Introduction of advanced imaging techniques like SD-OCTA.

Main Results:

• TBI affects visual acuity, visual fields, optic nerve, and oculomotor control.
• Photophobia and visuo-perceptual issues are also common.
• SD-OCTA offers noninvasive quantification of retinal vasculature.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmologists and optometrists must recognize TBI-related visual symptoms.
• Standardized protocols and rehabilitation studies are needed.
• Novel imaging may provide insights into TBI's neural and vascular pathology.