March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to shed light on a commonly overlooked side effect of concussions: vision problems.
If you've experienced a concussion and now struggle with blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, or trouble focusing, you're not alone—and you're definitely not imagining it. At The Office of Dr. Lorelei Zeiler, we often see patients in Caledonia who are surprised to learn that many post-concussion symptoms stem from visual disruptions caused by even mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
How Concussions Affect Vision
Your brain and eyes are closely connected—over half of the brain is involved in visual processing. So when the brain experiences trauma, it’s no surprise that vision can be impacted.
Some common post-concussion visual symptoms include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty focusing or tracking objects
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially during reading or screen use
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Headaches triggered by visual tasks
- Poor depth perception or balance issues
These symptoms can appear right after the injury or develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, because vision problems aren’t always immediately obvious, they’re often missed during initial concussion evaluations.
Why These Symptoms Matter
Vision plays a huge role in how we interact with the world—from reading and driving to balance and coordination. When your visual system is disrupted, it can impact your ability to return to work, school, or sports.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to:
- Delayed recovery
- Chronic headaches and eye fatigue
- Struggles with reading comprehension and concentration
- Increased risk of re-injury due to depth perception or balance issues
That’s why it’s so important to include a comprehensive eye exam as part of your post-concussion care plan.
How The Office of Dr. Lorelei Zeiler Can Help
At The Office of Dr. Lorelei Zeiler, we specialize in identifying and managing post-concussion visual symptoms. Our eye exams go beyond basic vision checks—we evaluate how your eyes work together, how well they focus, and how your brain is processing visual information.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
- Specialized glasses with prism lenses to reduce strain
- Vision therapy to retrain and strengthen visual skills
- Light sensitivity management tools
- Coordination with your primary care or neurological team
Our goal is to help you feel like yourself again—and often, that starts with clearer, more comfortable vision.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
If you've recently had a concussion—or are still dealing with symptoms weeks or months later—don’t wait. If you're noticing any of the following, it's time to book an appointment:
- Struggling with reading or screen time
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance
- Frequent eye strain or headaches
- Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- Any changes in your vision after a head injury
Even if your vision seemed fine before the concussion, changes can develop slowly. A thorough evaluation at The Office of Dr. Lorelei Zeiler in Caledonia can make all the difference in your recovery.
Supporting Recovery During Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month is a reminder that healing from a concussion isn’t just about rest—it’s about recognizing all the ways your body (and brain) have been affected, including your vision.
If you or a loved one are experiencing visual symptoms after a concussion, reach out to the team at The Office of Dr. Lorelei Zeiler. We’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.