Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury that can significantly affect the visual system. Since a large portion of the brain is responsible for visual processing, even minor head trauma can lead to changes in eye coordination, focusing ability, and visual comfort. At A+ Vision Optometry, we evaluate and treat vision problems related to concussions through advanced neuro-optometric care designed to address the underlying neurological causes.

How Concussions Affect Vision

More than half of the brain is involved in visual processing. When a concussion occurs, communication between the eyes and the brain can become disrupted, leading to a variety of visual symptoms.

Common concussion-related vision problems include:

Blurred or double vision
Difficulty focusing or refocusing between distances
Light sensitivity
Eye strain or fatigue
Headaches
Trouble tracking moving objects
Poor depth perception
Visual motion sensitivity
Difficulty concentrating or reading for extended periods

These symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or develop days or weeks later. In many cases, patients are told their eyes are “healthy,” yet their vision still doesn’t feel normal - because the issue lies in how the brain is processing visual input.

When visual symptoms persist beyond the initial recovery period, it may be a sign of post-concussion vision syndrome (PCVS). This condition can interfere with work, school, sports, and daily life, making tasks like reading, driving, or using digital devices uncomfortable or exhausting.

What Is Neuro-Optometry?

Neuro-optometry focuses on how the visual system functions after neurological events such as concussions, strokes, or brain injuries. A neuro-optometric evaluation looks beyond visual acuity to assess:

Eye teaming and alignment
Eye tracking and focusing abilities
Visual processing speed
Visual-vestibular integration
Spatial awareness and balance-related vision

This comprehensive approach helps identify the root cause of lingering visual symptoms following a concussion.

A Targeted Approach to Recovery with Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a customized therapy program designed to retrain the visual system and improve communication between the eyes and brain. Treatment may include:

Therapeutic lenses or prisms
Eye movement and focusing exercises
Visual-vestibular integration therapy
Balance and coordination support
Structured visual activities tailored to daily demands

The goal is not just symptom relief, but meaningful functional improvement - helping patients return to reading, working, learning, and physical activity more comfortably and confidently.

Concussion Care at A+ Vision Optometry

If you’re searching for an optometrist who understands the visual effects of concussions, Dr. Monique Nguyen provides comprehensive neuro-optometric care in Ladera Ranch, CA tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Nguyen works closely with patients who have experienced concussions to identify visual dysfunctions that may be slowing recovery and to create individualized treatment plans that support healing.

If you’ve had a concussion and are experiencing vision problems, don’t ignore the signs. Contact A+ Vision Optometry today to schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation to support your recovery, and get you back to seeing and living your best.