Over the years that I’ve been an optometrist at Ajax Eye Care, I’ve had the privilege of working with many patients recovering from concussions—athletes, students, parents, professionals—each with their own story. What they often have in common is the frustration of feeling that something is “not quite right” even after the initial injury seems to have healed. What’s frequently overlooked is the impact that a concussion can have on the visual system. It is estimated that up to 50% of the brain is used for processing visual information so it is super common to have vision problems result from concussion injuries.

As an optometrist with specialized training in developmental and rehabilitative optometry, I understand how the eyes and brain work together and have experience providing treatments when they don’t. After a brain injury, even something as seemingly mild as a concussion, this connection between the eyes and brain can be disrupted in subtle but significant ways.

What is Post-Concussion Vision Care?

Assuming a patient has recently seen their regular optometrist to ensure there’s been no structural damage to the eyes as a result of the impact that caused the concussion, when I see the patient after their concussion, I will see them for a Neuro-Optometric Vision Assessment. This type of exam dives in much deeper than a typical routine eye exam. I assess how the eyes are working together, how well they’re focusing, how accurately they’re tracking movement, and how efficiently the brain is processing visual information.

Based on the results, we build a customized vision rehabilitation plan. This might include:

• Specialized glasses lenses, often tints or prisms to reduce strain and support the visual system while the brain heals
• Vision therapy, a series of in-office and at-home exercises that retrain the eyes and brain to work in sync
• Syntonic phototherapy, a gentle, non-invasive light therapy that helps calm the nervous system and improve visual function

Each person’s experience with concussion is different, which is why I really try to understand your specific challenges and goals. Whether it’s getting back to reading comfortably, driving with confidence, or performing at work or school without headaches, we build the program around you.

What Vision Problems and Symptoms Can Follow a Concussion?

You don’t need to lose consciousness or even hit your head hard to experience lingering effects from a concussion. Some of the most common symptoms I hear from patients include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Trouble focusing or tracking words while reading
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling dizzy or unsteady
• Headaches triggered by visual tasks
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating

Often, these symptoms are chalked up to being “just part of the recovery process.” But when they persist for weeks or months, they may actually be signs of Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say,

“I wish I’d known this help existed sooner.”

Many of our patients come in months—or even years—after their concussion, having been told that nothing more can be done. But with the right diagnosis and support, your brain and eyes can learn to work together again.

The earlier we intervene, the more we can prevent long-term frustration and functional limitations.

You’re Not Alone—And Recovery Is Possible

Helping patients recover after a brain injury is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I see firsthand how powerful it can be when someone starts to feel like themselves again—when reading no longer causes headaches, when they can return to work, or simply enjoy time with their family without constant fatigue.

If you’ve had a concussion and are still struggling with visual symptoms, I want you to know that you don’t have to just live with it. There’s real, evidence-based help available.

At Ajax Eye Care, our team of experienced optometrists are dedicated to providing personalized care to all of our patients. We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the most accurate and efficient care possible.

If you are located in Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Bowmanville) or the Greater Toronto Area (specifically Scarborough or Markham) and are looking for a trusted optometrist who can help you with an initial assessment and potential treatment, feel free to reach out to us at Ajax Eye Care. Let us help you achieve your best possible vision and eye health.

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