Concussion



The Big Game - The Optometrists' role in concussion treatment

The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, and with it comes a lot of excitement and fun. But there is also a lot of pressure on the players to perform at their best. This can lead to some serious injuries, including concussions. As optometrists, we play an important role in concussion treatment. We are able to help diagnose concussions and provide proper treatment to ensure that our patients recover fully and safely.


As concussions become an increasingly prevalent issue in contact sports, the role of the optometrist becomes more important in concussion management and treatment. While many people still think of optometrists simply as vision specialists, they can actually play a vital role in detecting and managing concussions. Here’s a look at how optometrists can help with concussion treatment.


Optometrists play a major role in concussion treatment, which often includes vision therapy. Vision therapy is an excellent way for individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury to relearn skills such as the ability to track and focus on objects. Optometrists also help identify vision disturbances that often accompany a concussion, vision deficits resulting from unknown vision tracking problems, or any vision issues associated with balance difficulties. With their expertise, optometrists are able to develop plans of action to help address these vision disturbances and provide patients with individualized treatment plans, ultimately aiding them on their path towards recovery.


How to identify a concussion 

Identifying a concussion can be difficult and requires a combination of symptoms and a thorough physical evaluation. It is important to note any changes in behavior, such as difficulty remembering or feeling more tired than normal, as well as physical signs such as dizziness, slurred speech, headaches, nausea, and confusion. A person experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately for evaluation for a possible concussion. If not properly evaluated and treated, the symptoms can worsen and result in long term effects that are irreversible. It is important that anyone showing signs of a possible concussion receive proper care to prevent further injury.

The importance of rest and relaxation 

Rest and relaxation is vital to maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. Without these two essential activities, it's easy for people to become overwhelmed, unable to think clearly, or too fatigued to do their best work. Setting aside regular time for rest and relaxation helps boost productivity by avoiding overwhelm and providing a needed break from the hustle of daily life. Taking breaks for exercise, walks in nature, or other enjoyable activities refreshes both mind and body so that tasks can be completed with greater focus and clarity. In addition, engaging in leisure activities can bring a sense of fulfillment which increases overall wellbeing. Ultimately, rest and relaxation are important to sustain energy levels as well as emotional balance over the long-term.

Exercises to help with recovery 

Exercise is a proven aid in the recovery process, whether you're recovering from an injury or illness. Vision therapy is one exercise that can be a tremendous help. This type of specialized vision training strengthens vision muscles, refines eye movements, increases visual stamina and binocular efficiency, and develops integration of vision and hearing for accurate comprehension of information. Without vision therapy, the recovery process can often take longer because vision becomes an obstacle to full rehabilitation. It is worth taking the time to do vision therapy as part of your overall recovery plan for best results!

When to see an optometrist for help Tips for preventing concussions

Vision therapy is a key component of concussion prevention. Regular vision exams can help diagnose vision differences which, if unchecked, can increase the risk of head trauma. Beyond that, vision therapy exercises can improve coordination, balance and eye-tracking skills which are crucial for safe participation in contact sports. Vision therapists use computerized technology and specialized lenses or prisms to improve eye strength, vision abilities and vision processing skills so that athletes can assess potential dangers in their field of vision more quickly and accurately than before. By investing in vision therapy early on, athletes can avoid putting themselves at risk of serious head injuries down the line.


If you think you or a loved one may have suffered a concussion, don’t hesitate to contact an optometrist for help. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for recovery. The optometrists at Performance Vision Therapy are experts in concussion treatment and can help you on the road to recovery. Give us a call today!


Performance Vision Therapy is dedicated to providing comprehensive vision care services, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. We understand how important it is to keep your eyes healthy and can provide the tools you need to do just that. Our optometrists have years of experience dealing with vision issues and are passionate about helping you achieve optimal vision health.


Seeing an optometrist for vision care is an important part of maintaining vision health. Optometrists can detect vision problems before they become more serious, and provide various treatments to improve vision or prevent vision loss in the future. If you’re experiencing double vision, eye discomfort, or difficulty focusing, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible. Optometrists also specialize in vision therapy, which provides specialized exercises and treatment to further improve vision. Don’t wait - if you’re having vision impairments, see an optometrist right away! The earlier a vision problem is identified and treated, the better likelihood of preserving your eyesight into old age.


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