C.P., an 18-year-old basketball player, had a life-changing event when he got a concussion during a game. Following the injury, he dealt with many visual challenges, including blurriness, difficulty with reading comprehension, frequent headaches, and trouble tracking moving objects. These symptoms affected his daily life and prevented him from returning to the sport he loved.
Fortunately, our neuro optometrists at Southwest Family Eye Health Center in Fort Worth were able to help C.P. with his visual problems, ensuring that he regains his quality of life.
The Definition of Neuro-Optometry and Sports Vision Training
Neuro optometry and sports vision therapy are important specialized aspects of eye care. They can help in the recovery and performance enhancement of athletes and even.
These specialized fields focus on assessing and rehabilitating visual and cognitive functions essential for sports performance. A neurological optometrist works with athletes to address issues such as visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and reaction time.
By addressing these areas, neuro-optometry not only aids in the recovery from injuries like concussions but also enhances overall athletic performance, ensuring athletes can perform at their best while minimizing the risk of future injuries.
The Road to Recovery: A Comprehensive Approach
We began C.P.'s journey to recovery when we referred him to our clinic for specialized neuro-optometry care. He underwent a thorough neuro-vision evaluation with Dr. Loy, which marked the beginning of a carefully designed vision therapy program tailored to his needs. This program included several key assessments and innovative therapy tools:
Vestibular-Oculomotor Screening (VOMS): This assessment helped us identify the specific areas where C.P. was experiencing difficulties with eye movement and balance, both of which are essential for athletes.
ImPACT Testing: This neuro-cognitive assessment provided a baseline and ongoing evaluation of C.P.'s cognitive function. It allowed for a detailed understanding of how his concussion impacted his brain function.
Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey (BIVSS): The patient completed this survey at the beginning and end of his therapy. Initially, he scored a 40, indicating significant symptoms impacting his daily tasks. By the end of his therapy, his score had dramatically improved to 6, reflecting a substantial reduction in his symptoms.
Innovative Vision Therapy Techniques
During his time in vision therapy, C.P. engaged in various multi-sensory activities designed to improve his visual and cognitive function. Key components of his therapy included:
Senaptec Strobe Glasses: These specialized glasses enhance visual skills such as focus, object tracking, and reaction time. They work by periodically obstructing vision, forcing the brain to adapt and improve.
VTS4 Program/Vectograms: These tools help improve the coordination of the eyes and brain, leading to enhanced visual processing speed and accuracy.
A Triumphant Return to Basketball
After dedicated effort and progress in his vision therapy, C.P. reported that his concussion-related symptoms had gone away. His final BIVSS score reflected this progress, dropping from an initial 40 to just 6.
This significant improvement allowed our neurologist to clear him to return to basketball, marking a successful return to his sport and daily activities without the burden of visual and cognitive impairment.
Schedule A Functional Vision Exam in Fort Worth
Neuro-optometry and sports vision therapy offer invaluable resources for athletes recovering from injuries and seeking to improve their performance. If you have recently undergone a head injury or would like to improve your athletic ability, schedule an appointment with Southwest Family Eye Health Center in Fort Worth.
