TREATING POST CONCUSSION VISION SYNDROME (PCVS)
The treatment process for those suffering from Post Concussion Vision Syndrome begins with a 3 part exam. The first part is measuring the severity of discomfort resulting from eye movements in different directions called the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS). Part two is a binocular vision exam to measure one’s ability to use the two eyes together as a team. Part three is a functional visual field test to determine the degree with which the concussion has caused a drop in peripheral awareness.
Individuals with PCVS often have digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating as well as an inability to sleep well despite extreme fatigue. These symptoms are due to the body being in a strong “fight or flight” response following the concussion because brain sends out chemical signals to the rest of the body indicating that it is damaged. We must take steps to bring the body back to balance in order that it may rest and heal. Bringing the body back into proper balance away from a “fight or flight” mode will typically reduce the sensations of light sensitivity, fatigue, headaches, and eye pain. Without reducing these symptoms, traditional vision training techniques would typically trigger more discomfort. It would be akin to trying to lift weights while the muscles are sore or injured.
After reducing the discomfort, the patient may then proceed to do traditional vision therapy in order to retrain the visual system to aim, focus, and work the eyes together properly so that concentration, focus, and normal depth perception is regained.
Call us today if you or a loved one suffers from Post Concussion Vision Syndrome!