Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION

In the United States, approximately one person every sixteen seconds suffers some form of acquired brain injury. Additionally, there are approximately thirty thousand persons per year who are hospitalized for other forms of brain insult such as cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and diseases such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Following a neurological event, there is often an interruption to the neurological system which innervate the extraocular muscles controlling eye movement as well as the system that regulates focusing. The common visual symptoms often associated with acquired brain injury are:

• diplopia ( double vision)
• ocular pursuits (eye tracking ability)
• saccadics ( difficulties with shifting gaze quickly from one point to the other),
• accommodative inability ( focusing).
• binocular vision (eye alignment)
• glare sensitivity
• inability to maintain visual contact

Additionally, depending on the extent of the injury, there are often deficits in many areas of visual information processing ability. Problems with visual processing may contribute to and or exacerbate symptoms of eye strain, fatigue, headaches, difficulties with balance and posture, depth perception, memory loss, and excessively slow visuomotor performance affecting handwriting.

Neuro-optometrists have long recognized symptoms and visual problems associated with trauma that affect the functional visual system and have identified a syndrome, Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS). The following categorizes the clinical characteristics:

FUNCTIONAL VISION PROBLEMS

• Exotropia (eye turned outward)
• Exophoria (tendency for the eyes to turn out)
• Convergence Insufficiency
• Accommodative Insufficiency
• Oculomotor dysfunction
• Increased myopia
• Common Symptoms
• Diplopia (double vision)
• Blurred near vision
• Perceived movement of print
• Asthenopia
• Headaches
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

 
PTVS can be treated effectively through neuro-optometric rehabilitation. A neuro-optometric rehabilitation treatment plan improves specific acquired vision dysfunctions determined by standardized diagnostic criteria.  The treatment may include different lens prescriptions, and other neuro-optometric rehabilitative approaches. Treatment covers medically necessary non-compensatory lenses in conjunction with prism lenses, and other appropriate medical rehabilitation strategies, including vision therapy.

What Is Behavioral Optometry Or Developmental Optometry?
Behavioral/Developmental optometry is based upon the core principle that vision is a learned process and can be developed or enhanced at any age. Optometrists practicing this method have continued their education beyond the basic Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. This continuing education emphasizes the use of lenses, prisms, and vision therapy to enhance a patient's visual capabilities, reduce visual stress, prevent and rehabilitate vision problems. As a member of the rehabilitative team, behavioral optometrists have extensive experience treating the vision problems stemming from Traumatic Brain Injury.