Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Oculomotor and Binocular Vision Dysfunctions with Vision Therapy.

Background: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly experience a collective group of oculomotor dysfunctions and visual disturbances that impact their activities of daily living. This includes deficits in accommodation, versions, vergence, and secondary strabismus due to a cranial nerve...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Optometry & Visual Performance Vol. 3; no. 6; pp. 485 - 496
Autor principal: Waldorf, Greg R.
Formato: case study tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Optometric Extension Program Dec2015
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly experience a collective group of oculomotor dysfunctions and visual disturbances that impact their activities of daily living. This includes deficits in accommodation, versions, vergence, and secondary strabismus due to a cranial nerve III, IV, or VI palsy. Photosensitivity, visual field loss, and ocular health complications may also result. TBI patients are likely to present to an optometrist for evaluation, treatment, and management of the oculomotor-related symptoms that other health care providers are unable effectively to resolve. Vision therapy (VT) can be used to treat the oculomotor disorders, binocular vision dysfunctions, and symptoms that a patient with TBI experiences. VT may be used in conjunction with optical correction involving prisms or tints to treat the symptoms of diplopia, field loss, or photosensitivity. Case Report: An 18-year-old male college student endured a severe TBI while skiing. After three months of recovery, the patient suffered from constant double and blurred vision due to a partial cranial nerve (CN) III palsy and CN IV palsy in his left eye as well as an intermittent upbeat nystagmus in his right. After undergoing 12 weeks of active office-based vision therapy, the patient achieved clear and single vision at all ranges and was able to return to college the following semester. Conclusion: This case demonstrates how the optometrist is an important part of the TBI-related rehabilitation team and can make unique management and treatment contributions that improve both visual function and quality of life for those suffering from a TBI.