A patient at South Coast Optometry in Costa Mesa once shared how, weeks after a mild concussion, they felt “mostly fine”—except that reading made them dizzy and bright lights triggered headaches. It wasn’t until a comprehensive neuro-optometric exam that they discovered their eyes were still struggling to work together properly.
At South Coast Optometry, we see many patients who don’t realize their lingering post-concussion symptoms are actually rooted in their vision. Even if you feel back to normal physically, your eyes—and your brain’s visual processing—might still be recovering. Let’s explore why that happens and how we can help.
How a Concussion Affects Your Vision
Your brain and eyes are deeply connected. A concussion disrupts this delicate relationship, sometimes in ways you can’t immediately see.
More Than Just a “Bump on the Head”
Think of your brain as the control center for your eyes, like the conductor of an orchestra. A concussion can throw that conductor off tempo, leading to vision problems that linger long after other symptoms improve.
Common Vision Problems After a Concussion
Some visual issues may appear subtle—but they can impact your daily life in big ways. You might notice:
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty focusing on near tasks
- Eye strain, especially when reading or using a computer
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches triggered by visual tasks
- Motion sensitivity or dizziness when moving your head or eyes
Many people don’t connect these symptoms to their concussion, attributing them instead to stress or fatigue. But post-concussion vision problems are very real—and very treatable.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Lingering Vision Symptoms
Ignoring visual issues after a concussion can prolong recovery and impact your quality of life. Here’s why it’s crucial to seek help.
Your Vision System Works Harder After Injury
When your brain and eyes aren’t communicating smoothly, your visual system has to work overtime. It’s like driving with misaligned wheels—eventually, the strain shows up as discomfort, headaches, or fatigue.
Symptoms May Impact Work and Daily Life
Vision problems after a concussion can make it difficult to read, drive, or focus at work. Students may struggle in class. Athletes might feel off balance or hesitant in their sport.
Early Treatment Leads to Better Outcomes
The sooner post-concussion vision problems are addressed, the quicker—and more completely—patients tend to recover. At South Coast Optometry, we specialize in detecting subtle changes that standard exams might miss.
How South Coast Optometry Can Help
At South Coast Optometry, we offer neuro-optometric evaluations designed specifically for patients recovering from concussions and other brain injuries.
Specialized Testing Beyond a Standard Eye Exam
Our comprehensive eye exams evaluate how your eyes work together, how your brain processes visual information, and how well you track moving objects. We look at visual memory, eye alignment, and focusing flexibility to pinpoint the root of your symptoms.
Personalized Neuro-Optometric Therapy
Treatment might include:
- Prescription lenses, sometimes with specialized tints to reduce light sensitivity
- Vision therapy exercises to retrain eye-brain connections
- Recommendations for modifying work or reading environments to reduce strain
It’s a highly individualized process, designed to help you feel more comfortable and confident as you heal.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
At South Coast Optometry, we believe in treating the whole person. We’ll collaborate with your medical team—such as neurologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists—to ensure you receive integrated care for every aspect of your recovery.
Don’t Let Post-Concussion Vision Problems Hold You Back
If you’re recovering from a concussion and still experiencing headaches, dizziness, or visual discomfort, your eyes might still be healing—even if everything else seems back to normal. At South Coast Optometry in Costa Mesa, we’re here to help you regain clear, comfortable vision and return to the activities you love.
Schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation and discover how specialized vision care can be the missing piece in your concussion recovery. Let’s help you see—and feel—your best again.