Can a Concussion Effect Your Vision? Short Answer: Yes!

Essentially, Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an assault on the brain that can produce cognitive, sensory or physical impairments; most of which are amenable by rehabilitation or time.

Your first instinct after a head injury is to take the effected person to the hospital where they will do an x-ray to ensure there is no broken bones, a cat scan to ensure there is no internal bleeding, and quite frequently send you on your way with a note to rest. 

After a couple days, if not immediately, you may notice the following visual side effects of a concussion: 1

• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light, glare sensitivity
• Reading difficulties; words appear to move
• Comprehension difficulty
• Attention and concentration difficulty
• Memory difficulty
• Double vision
• Aching eyes
• Headaches with visual tasks
• Inability to maintain visual contact or focus
• Reduction or loss of visual field (Visual Field Loss)
• Difficulties with eye movements

It is important that if you note any visual symptoms to book an appointment with an optometrist. If you get a requisition from your family doctor, in Ontario, your optometrist visit can be covered by OHIP. 

With our sophisticated optical equipment we can look into your eye and ensure there is no damages to the retina or other parts of your eyes. Once we've ruled out physical injury we can monitor your vision and, if necessary, refer you to a vision therapist. 

Source: 
1. www.braininjury.org