Vision Rehibliatation
Vision and Head Trauma-Meeting the Challenge
More than 80 percent of what we learn is processed visually. It is easy to understand why visual dysfunction from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and stroke can profoundly affect recovery.
Vision symptoms are often among the earliest observed following head injury or stroke. Double vision, visual blur, headaches, eyestrain, dizziness, disorientation and reading difficulties present as some of the early changes in visual status. Coping with these vision problems may cause considerable anxiety, frustration and stress.
Neuro-optometry, a specialty within the field of optometry, provides vision rehabilitation for TBI and stroke. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many symptoms can be eliminated and the visual system restored to its highest potential. Proper vision intervention encourages a faster and more successful recovery in other sensory and movement areas.
The Optometry Department at Hope Clinic is committed to providing comprehensive and caring vision services to survivors of head injury. Our mission is to help each person reach his/her highest abilities and goals.
Diagnostic Vision Evaluation
The journey through Hope Clinic begins with a complete diagnostic evaluation. A thorough case history precedes measurements and findings in eye health, eye optics, ocular motility (eye tracking) accommodation (eye focusing), convergence/divergence (eye alignment) and vision perception. Peripheral (side vision) visual status is measured with a computerized perimeter. Visual Evoked Response computer testing is available. A consultation and full written report follow the evaluation. Treatment options and alternatives will be presented for consideration by the individual and family. All information will be shared with head injury recovery centers and other medical and professional providers upon written release.
Treatment
Treatment provided at Hope Clinic for visual dysfunctions from TBI and stroke may include lenses, prism lenses and orthoptics/vision services. Medical/ surgical intervention is case-managed.
Orthoptics/vision therapy involves that use of special instruments and techniques to treat eye tracking, focusing, alignment and perception dysfunctions. The instruments create an environment where a person can monitor the input of each eye while both eyes are working together. Special lenses and prisms are then utilized with the instruments and techniques to gradually restore eye function and perception. A comparison is often made with physical therapy in that both treatments involve the retraining of neurological signals from the brain to body systems.
The goal of the treatment is to restore all areas of visual function to their highest potential.
Appointments and Information
Appointments may be made by calling Hope Clinic at:
(425) 462-7800 Bellevue
(206) 242-5414 Seattle
(253) 925-1288 Tacoma
(360) 613-0181 Silverdale
Evening appointments are available.