Dust, mold, smoke, and pet dander can also cause allergic reactions in the eye.

If you have any concerns regarding wearing contacts lenses with allergies, contact your nearest eye doctor to find answers to all your questions.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are some commonly asked questions of eye doctors regarding allergies and contact lenses.

#1 I have allergies, can I still wear contact lenses?

Yes, you may find daily disposables are more comfortable.

Since contact lenses attract airborne allergens, if you wear the same pair for a month, they accumulate a month’s worth of allergens and debris. Whereas disposable daily lenses are worn for just one day, giving allergens less time to accumulate.

#2 If I have allergies, how often should I clean my contact lenses?

Cleaning your contact lenses often will help keep them clean of allergens. Use preservative-free solutions because some people develop allergies to preservatives.

#3 My allergies cause dry eyes. What should I do?

Keep your eyes moist with artificial tears. They will help keep your eyes from drying out, which  causes additional discomfort. Use only preservative-free eye drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can advise which drops are best for you and how frequently to apply them.

#4 If I have eye allergies, can I still wear makeup?

Use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics to decrease allergic reactions, especially if you apply them around your eyes.

Moisture particles from sweat and tears can bring the cosmetics that you place around your eyse into contact with the eye’s surface.

#5 If I have an allergy attack, can I still wear my contacts?

During an allergy reaction, it is recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses if your eyes are itchy, red, and swollen from an allergy.

#6 Should I take anti-allergy medications to reduce my symptoms?

While anti-allergy medications (antihistamines) reduce your allergy symptoms, they can cause dry eyes, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

If you have any known allergies, inform your eye doctor at the time of your eye exam, so they can recommend lenses that are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near who can help you choose the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.

The post Allergies and Contact Lenses: Part 2 Q appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dust, pet dander, smoke and mold can all cause allergic reactions in the eye. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your eyes while maintaining comfort.

If you have allergies, speak to an doctor about how you can reduce your symptoms.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

1. Wear daily disposable lenses

Contact lenses attract allergens in the air. Not surprisingly, lenses worn for an entire month collect the most allergens and debris for the entire month.

However, disposable daily contact  lenses are only worn for one day only before being discarded, allowing allergens less time to accumulate.

Ask your eye doctor about the most suitable regular lenses for your eyes.

2. Minimize lens wear time

If your allergic reaction is very mild, you may still be able to wear your contacts during the allergy attack. However, consider reducing the amount of time you wear your lenses.

3. Temporarily wear glasses 

If your eyes are red, itchy and swollen from an allergy, it’s recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses. Glasses with transition lenses, which are clear when you are indoors and darken in sunlight, are ideal for this time.

4. Initiate a cleaning routine

Cleaning your contact lenses on a more regular basis will help keep them free of allergens. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in lens cleaning solutions, so be sure to use preservative-free solutions.

Ask your eye doctor about peroxide-based disinfectants, which have a more thorough cleaning effect.

5. Keep your eyes moist

To help keep your eyes from drying up or experiencing any additional discomfort, use artificial tears. Make sure they are preservative-free eye-drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Ask your eye doctor for specific eye drops that can be used with contact lenses.

6. Use hypoallergenic makeup

Pay attention to the types of cosmetics you apply around your eyes. Moisture particles from tears or sweat can bring makeup in contact with the eye’s surface.

To decrease allergic reactions, use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics.

7. Take anti-allergy medications

While antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) can help with an allergy attack, they often cause dry eye and may, therefore, intensify symptoms.

Consult your eye doctor if you are taking antihistamines.

8. Inform your eye doctor

It’s best to let your eye doctor know if you have any allergies at the time of your eye exam. They will advise you on which type of lenses are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

There is no reason you should go through unnecessary suffering with your contact lenses just because you also have allergies.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you so that you can receive the care and information you need to manage your allergies and contacts all year long.

The post Top 8 Tips for Allergies and Contact Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Eye herpes, also known as herpes keratitis, is a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two major types of the virus; Type I and Type II. While both types of herpes can spread to the eye and cause infection, Type I is by far the most frequent cause of eye infections. It is rare to transfer Type II to the eye.

Here are commonly asked questions about eye herpes.

#1 Is this condition serious? 

Yes. Eye herpes is a serious infection of your cornea, possibly causing life-long blindness.

Once treated, eye herpes usually lasts 1-3 weeks, sometimes even longer.

Treatment normally lasts two weeks, and you should see results within five days.

#2 What are common symptoms of eye herpes?

At the first sign of an outbreak, contact your doctor to begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of vision loss.

Common symptoms of herpes keratitis may include:

• Blurred vision
• Discharge
• Pain
• Rash
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Tearing

If the infection only involves the cornea’s outer layer, it will usually heal without scarring. However, if it involves the deeper layers of cornea, the infection may lead to scarring of the cornea, loss of vision and sometimes even blindness.

Left untreated, eye herpes can cause severe and permanent vision loss.

If you suffer with persistent red eyes, it is vital to contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat eye herpes with the appropriate medication.

SEE RELATED: Corneal Ulcers

#3 How often do flare-ups recur? 

20% of people who’ve had eye herpes will have another outbreak within a year of the initial infection.

While several factors contribute to a recurrence, if you experience multiple flare-ups, your doctor may recommend taking a daily antiviral medication for prevention.

#4 What causes flare-ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include:

• Fever
• Trauma
• Emotional distress
• Excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays)
• Refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.)
• Major surgical or dental procedures

A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of an eye herpes flare-up, and potentially lead to an outbreak.

#5 How is eye herpes treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, general health, and the severity of the outbreak. .

Possible treatments may include:

• Antibiotic drops for your eyes (to prevent further infection by bacteria)
• Antibiotic ointment for your eyelids (to prevent infection by bacteria)
• Antiviral drops for your eyes
• Antiviral ointment for your eyelids
• Antiviral medicines taken by mouth
• Steroid drops for your eyes (to reduce inflammation)

While most of these treatments are fairly short-term, you may also need to take antiviral oral medicine on a long-term basis. This is to help prevent future flare-ups. Some complications of eye herpes may require additional treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat your eye herpes.

The post Eyes and Herpes: Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The most common type of eye herpes is called epithelial keratitis, which tends to infect the cornea, causing redness, inflammation, excessive tearing of the eye, and eventually affecting your visual clarity.

Left untreated, eye herpes can cause scarring and corneal ulcers, which may lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

What is eye herpes?

Eye herpes, also known as ocular herpes, is a potentially serious infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the lips and mouth.

Eye herpes is typically contracted by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life.

Many people with eye herpes are unaware that they have it because it can lie dormant in the nervous system for years without causing any symptoms. It’s not unusual for HSV to reactivate months or even years after it was first contracted. Flare-ups can resolve after 2-3 weeks, though the infection can reappear, even after 10 years.

Oftentimes, eye herpes is confused with other types of pink eye, such as bacterial or other viral eye infections.

If you suffer with persistent red eyes, it is vital to contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat eye herpes with the appropriate medication.

SEE RELATED: Eyes and Herpes: Q&A

How does eye herpes affect the eyes?

Many parts of the eye can be affected by eye herpes, including:

• Cornea – the clear layer on the front of your eye
• Conjunctiva – the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera
• Sclera – the white part of your eye
• Eyelids – specifically the lid margins
• Retina – the light-sensing sheet of cells in the back of your eye
• Iris – the colored part of your eye

What are the symptoms of eye herpes?

Eye herpes is associated with various signs and symptoms, including:

• Blisters or rash on the eyelids
• Persistent sore, red or pink eyes
• Eye discomfort and irritation
• Headache and lethargy
• Reduced or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Watery eye discharge

While eye herpes usually affects only one eye, it’s not uncommon for both eyes to be infected.

If you suspect you have eye herpes, contact an eye doctor near you who can help prevent further complications.

How to reduce the risk of eye herpes?

Although there is no way to totally prevent an eye herpes infection, or any other form of eye infection for that matter, the following measures will reduce your risk.

• Keep your eyes and hands clean
• Avoid touching your eyes if you have a herpes outbreak
• Seek medical treatment for any form of herpes as soon as possible
• If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow your eye doctor’s instructions on contact lens care.

While there’s no ultimate cure for eye herpes, certain treatments can help control future outbreaks and prevent vision loss.

Early diagnosis and treatment of eye herpes can help avoid severe and life-long eye damage and significantly improve your symptoms.

Treatment usually includes antiviral medication, which can be eye drops, ointment, or oral medication.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you’re experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

The post How Does Herpes Affect the Eyes? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

To help you out, here are the key differences between dry eyes and eye infections.

Important Note: While learning about these eye problems is helpful, nothing can replace the care and diagnostic skills of an eye doctor.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

Dry eyes or eye infection? 

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of eye hydration, brought on by either poor tear quality or insufficient tears.

Individuals suffering from dry eyes will experience any number of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Burning or itchy eyes
• Grittiness
• Red, irritated eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes

Dry eyes can be caused by irritants such as heat and air conditioning, dry, windy weather, some health conditions, drugs, the aging process, or too much screen time.

The goal of treating dry eyes is to keep your eyes hydrated, which can often be accomplished by using artificial tears, increasing tear production, treating inflammation in the eyelids, or conserving tears in the eyes.

Eye infections 

Eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungus and viruses invade and wreak havoc on the different parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and eyelids.

Here are a few common signs:

• Crustiness around the eyelashes and lids
• Enlarged lymph nodes near the ear
• Eye pain or irritation
• Eye redness
• Swollen eyelids
• Yellowy discharge from the eyes

If you suspect that you have an eye infection, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. Prompt treatment will facilitate a speedier recovery and help prevent any possible eye damage.

What to do? 

The key to properly diagnosing and treating any eye condition is a comprehensive eye exam. 

In addition to examining your eyes, your eye doctor may also ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and family history to better understand your condition.

So, whether you suspect you have dry eye syndrome or an eye infection, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

The post Dry Eye or Eye Infection? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Ocular albinism affects the eyes, causing dramatic loss of visual function and impact on the quality of life.

What is albinism?

Albinism is a genetic disorder that results in the body’s inability to produce melanin, a dark pigment that protects a person’s tissues from ultraviolet radiation (UV) and gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color.

The most common form of ocular albinism is Type 1 or Nettleship-Falls.

Ocular albinism primarily affects the eyes, by reducing the pigmentation in the eye, which is essential for normal vision. In most cases it causes mild to moderate central vision impairment.

While individuals with albinism retain some vision, many may be legally blind.

While there is no cure for the condition, glasses, contacts and low vision aids and devices can help by maximizing a patient’s remaining vision, allowing them to experience a much higher quality of life.

Contact an eye doctor experienced in low vision who can help understand your condition and show you the many options to allow you to enjoy your vision.

SEE RELATED: Top Home Tips for Low Vision

What is ocular albinism?

Ocular albinism is a genetic disorder in which the eyes are deficient in the amount of melanin, which gives the eye its color or pigment. For those born with this condition, any vision loss present at birth doesn’t worsen over time.

What are the signs and symptoms of ocular albinism?

Because of the lack of pigmentation in the eyes, individuals with ocular albinism will experience:

• Iris of the eyes appear pinkish or very light color
• Extreme light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Involuntary rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
• Mild to moderate central vision loss
• Poor binocular vision (strabismus)
• Reduced depth perception
• Head tilt

Low vision aids for ocular albinism

There are many types of low vision aids and low vision glasses to improve the lives of those with ocular albinism.

Since each aid assists with different tasks, a person with low vision will benefit from multiple low vision glasses and devices.

While people with ocular albinism experience central vision loss, they have excellent side vision. Therefore, they respond well to low vision glasses and devices, particularly bioptic telescope and microscope lenses.

These lenses may allow the patient to see objects at a distance, read words on a board or street sign, watch TV and recognize people’s faces.

In severe cases, telescopes/bioptic lenses, magnifiers, microscopes, and closed circuit television systems may be prescribed.

Other ways to treat ocular albinism

While there is no cure for albinism, there are different ways symptoms of the disease can be addressed:

• A comprehensive low vision exam, along with optical and non-optical low vision devices, electronic magnifiers, and vision rehabilitation services
• Absorptive sunglasses or special contact lenses with a colored component to reduce light sensitivity
• Glasses or contact lenses to address refractive errors
• Glasses with prisms to decrease nystagmus and treat strabismus
• Surgery to reduce nystagmus or strabismus

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

Schedule a low vision eye evaluation with an eye doctor near you who can provide the most appropriate adaptive devices to help you see better.

The post Albinism and Low Vision appeared first on Optometrists.org.

For people with a visual impairment, reading is often one of the most difficult challenges. Many people with low stop reading altogether, because what used to be an effortless and enjoyable activity now requires preparation and a lot of adjustment.

There are many low vision devices that can make reading easier and more rewarding for people with macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, tunnel vision and other low vision conditions.

If you experience low vision, contact an eye doctor near you who can prescribe  a low vision device to help you read without difficulty.

SEE RELATED: Top 10 Tips for Improving Low Vision at Home

Below you will find a list of low vision magnifiers, aids, devices, and strategies that can help people with low vision read more easily and comfortably.

Low Vision Devices for Reading

1. Reading Magnifier

The most commonly used visual aid is a hand-held magnifier, for reading.  

In the correct power, magnifiers allow people with low vision to reading labels, oven dials, and the text on medicine bottles. There are different kinds of magnifiers, including small pocket magnifiers, full-page illuminated magnifiers, and magnifiers that are mounted on adjustable stands.

Ask your low vision optometrist which device and power will best allow you to read what is most important for you.

2. Video Magnifier

While traditional optical magnifiers, such as magnifying glasses, are generally helpful, some people benefit more from a video magnifier.

A video magnifier, or closed-circuit television (CCTV), has a camera that transmits magnified images (up to 50x or higher) and displays them on a large monitor or TV screen.

3. Portable Electronic Magnifiers

A portable electronic magnifier resembles an iPad or tablet. By holding this device in front of reading material, you can view the magnified version on its LED screen.

4. High-Power Reading Glasses

Strong magnifying reading eyeglasses enable a person with severe visual impairment to read fine print.

5. Tele-Microscopic Glasses

Tele-microscopic lenses are mounted on top of eyeglass lenses and may be prescribed for one or both eyes. They allow people with low vision to read, write, use a computer, and perform other tasks at a comfortable distance.

Certain low vision devices require a prescription from an eye doctor as they are custom-made for a patients specific needs.

Contact an eye doctor near you, who will help determine which vision devices and aids are best for your needs and level of vision impairment.

More strategies to help your reading

1. Increase Contrast

It’s important to ensure a sharp contrast between the text being read and its background.

For example, newspapers don’t offer much contrast because the grey letters sit on an off-white background.

Many electronic screens allow a person to tailor the contrast to their needs, such as black lettering on a white background or black lettering on a yellow background.

2. Increase Lighting

Increasing the amount and type of lighting can greatly improve reading ability in those with low vision.

3. Large Print Books or Larger Fonts

Large print books include larger fonts, more spacing and better contrast, making it easier and more enjoyable to read.

4. Adjust Settings on your smart phone

Smart phones have various settings specifically designed for low vision. These range from large fonts to read-aloud SMS messaging.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you for more advice on reading with low vision and to learn about what low vision aids and devices would be best for you.

The post Reading Tips For People With Low Vision appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. The most common type of glaucoma shows no early warning signs, and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss and even permanent central vision loss.

If you suffer from glaucoma contact an eye doctor near you who provides low vision devices and aids to help you maximize your remaining vision.

SEE RELATED: Hemianopsia and Low Vision

How does glaucoma affect your vision?

The primary cause of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP). 

The area between the cornea and the lens inside the eye is filled with a fluid called the aqueous humor. This fluid maintains the eyeball’s shape by keeping the eye properly pressurized. This fluid drains from the eye via the “trabecular meshwork”. If the drainage angle is blocked or clogged, the fluid cannot drain from the eye, causing a build-up of pressure within the eye.

The build-up of pressure damages the optic nerve, blocking images captured by the eye from reaching the brain. This results in progressive vision loss or peripheral vision loss.

What is tunnel vision?

Tunnel vision is  the loss of side vision, where all you can see is the very center part of your vision.

A person with tunnel vision can only see what is directly in front of them, as if they were  looking through a straw. Glaucoma is a major cause of peripheral vision loss.

Can tunnel vision be prevented?

The best way to prevent  tunnel vision is for your eye doctor to catch glaucoma early, before it causes irreversible vision loss. 

If eye drops or glaucoma medication are prescribed, they should absolutely be taken regularly to control high eye pressure. Otherwise, you risk permanent optic nerve damage and may develop blind spots in your visual field. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of peripheral vision and even blindness.

This is why routine eye exams are so critical, as they are the only way to detect glaucoma before permanent vision loss sets in.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to catch glaucoma early.

How can a low vision doctor help?

Experiencing vision can impair a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.  A low vision eye doctor can help by offering a variety of low vision aids and devices to maximize the vision that remains.

These include:

• Filters
• Prisms
• Magnifying spectacles (worn just like traditional eyeglasses)
• E-Scoop® glasses
• Hand-held and clip-on telescopes,
• Desktop, portable and digital magnifiers
• Computer software
• Smartphone, tablet and camera apps
• Text-to-speech OCR software
• Digital talking book readers
• IrisVision
• OrCam
• Jordy
• eSight

The sooner a patient begins to use low vision aids, the quicker they will adjust and learn new ways to carry out activities.

Don’t let glaucoma rob you of your independence! 

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you achieve functional vision and provide custom-made glasses and vision aids just for you.

The post Glaucoma, Tunnel Vision and Low Vision appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Having low vision – vision that can’t be improved with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery –  can make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks..

Fortunately, there are many things a person with low vision can do to remain independent and do the things they enjoy and love.

Contact an eye doctor near you so that you can live your best life with low vision.

SEE RELATED: Top 10 Tips for Improving Low Vision at Home

Below are a few helpful household tips:

Low vision tips for around the house 

1. Pouring liquids: 

When pouring dark liquids, such as coffee, from a container into a cup, pour the liquid into a light-colored cup to create contrast. The light-colored cup should be placed on a dark-colored placemat or tray. The opposite should be done for light-colored liquids, such as milk.

2. Chopping food: 

When chopping food, use a dark cutting board for light-colored foods, and a light-colored cutting board for dark food.

3. Colorful Tape:

Use brightly contrasting colored tape or paint on the handles of kitchen utensils and equipment.

1. To avoid accidents  due to reaching over a flame or touching a heated front burner, tape over the knobs of the back burners of the stove.
2. Use brightly colored cloth or vinyl tape to provide color contrast when locating household items such as the electrical outlets, light switches, thermostat, or drawstrings on blinds.
3. Mark the edge of indoor and outdoor stairs with tape that contrasts with the color of the stairs

4. Timer: 

Rather than visually checking on food to see if it’s ready, set a timer.

5. Recipes:

Write recipes on 5” x 8” index cards in large print with a black felt tip pen and color-code the cards. For example, have one color for meat recipes, another for desserts, and a third for poultry.

6. Lighting:

When eating, use bright lighting. Place a table lamp with a bright light bulb (at least 75W) in a position to illuminate your plate.

1. When reading or sewing, use a bright light and shine it directly on your book or work.
2. If using light dishes, place them on a dark tablecloth or placemat, or vice-versa.  In addition, to reduce visual confusion, avoid tablecloths or placemats with a pattern.

7. Crafts: 

When doing needlepoint or hook rugs, place a dark cloth below the canvas.

8. Mirrors: 

Use magnifying mirrors to help with shaving or makeup. A towel on the wall opposite the bathroom mirror, hung at the appropriate height, can be used to provide a contrasting background for your head and hair. If you have light hair, use a dark towel. For dark hair, use a light towel.

9. TV:

Sit as close to the TV screen as needed so you can see the images. People  who are visually impaired will not hurt their eyes by sitting close to the screen.

Don’t let low vision stop you from carrying out tasks and doing the things you enjoy.  

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you live life to the fullest.

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The symptoms that persist following a concussion are collectively called Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS). In most cases, the eyes are physically healthy but not communicating properly with the brain, this is very common following any type of traumatic brain injury.

The eyes are controlled by the brain, so when someone suffers from an injury to the brain, whether it is a car accident, stroke, or concussion, the visual system can be significantly impacted causing a range of life-changing symptoms.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help relieve the disabling post-concussion symptoms.

Schedule an appointment with a vision therapy eye doctor to start your neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation program.

SEE RELATED: Sleep Apnea, Concussion and Vision

What is neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation?

Neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation focuses on different visual disorders that occur as a result of developmental delays, brain injuries, or concussions.

During primary treatment of a brain injury, visual problems often go unnoticed, as a regular eye exam may not show the extent to which the visual processing and functioning of the eyes has been affected.

A neuro-optometric consultation goes beyond a regular eye exam, as it involves in-depth testing to analyze the communication between the visual system and the brain, and how the injury affects daily tasks, such as balance and movement, reading, and more.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is a non-invasive program to rehabilitate vision, the integration of vision with other senses, visual-motor disorders and visual information processing.

Treatment usually involves a customized vision therapy program, optical prisms or therapeutic lenses. Computer-based activities specifically designed to improve the neural functioning following a TBI may also be prescribed.

When vision therapy is used as part of neuro-optometric rehabilitation it helps redevelop brain-eye communication, allowing the patient to learn how to regain control of their visual system and improve their quality of life.

Common post-concussion symptoms

Typical symptoms that are experienced after a concussion may include:

• Headaches/migraines
• Double vision
• Dizziness
• Difficulty reading
• Nausea
• Difficulty focusing
• Difficulty with coordination, balance
• Sensitivity to light
• Poor depth perception

If you experience any of these symptoms post-concussion, contact a vision therapy eye doctor near you.

Vision problems associated with brain injuries can be disabling, as they often affect:

• Eye focusing
• Eye teaming
• Eye movements
• Motion sensitivity

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation treatment

Treatments will vary for each individual as every injury is unique.

Some types of treatment include:

• Patching – Placing a patch on one eye or part of the visual field of one eye. This helps eliminate double vision, a common symptom post-concussion.
• Prism Lenses – As part of a vision therapy program, prisms are often prescribed to help eliminate binocular vision problems such as double vision. In addition, they are used to treat poor balance, which is another common symptom post-concussion.
• Specific Prescription Lenses (Glasses)– These lenses help enhance visual comfort and clarity. They also help compensate for the damage done to the neural system
• Vision Therapy – This is a personalized program that improves the communication between the brain, body, and eyes. A vision therapy program focuses on improving visual skills such as hand-eye coordination, eye tracking, peripheral vision, focusing, and depth perception.

Following a brain injury or a concussion, a customized neuro-optometric rehabilitation program could be what you have been looking for.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Neuro-Optometry

If you have experienced a concussion, it is recommended to contact a vision therapy eye doctor to learn more about neuro-optometric rehabilitation – it might just change your life.

The post Vision Therapy for Concussions appeared first on Optometrists.org.