Vision-Related Neurological Conditions
Navigating Life with a Neurological Condition
When you are diagnosed with a neurological condition like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or have survived a stroke, the focus is often on motor skills and cognitive function. But what is frequently overlooked is the profound impact these conditions have on your vision. Up to 70% of adults with neurological conditions have significant, treatable vision problems. At Brain Vision Institute, we specialize in neuro-optometric rehabilitation—a targeted approach to improve your functional vision, enhance your quality of life, and restore your confidence.
Your brain uses
of its energy just to process visual input.
When Your Brain and Eyes Are Out of Sync”
A neurological condition doesn’t just affect your limbs or your memory; it disrupts the complex communication network between your brain and your eyes. This can lead to a host of debilitating visual symptoms that can make daily life a challenge, even if your eyes are technically “healthy.”
Do you experience any of the following?
- Double vision or blurry vision
- Difficulty tracking moving objects or reading
- A loss of peripheral vision or a feeling of being in a “tunnel”
- Sensitivity to light, glare, or busy patterns
- Problems with depth perception, leading to clumsiness or difficulty navigating stairs
- A sense that your vision is just “not right” since your diagnosis
These are not just side effects to be endured. They are symptoms of a treatable neuro-visual processing disorder.
The Visual Consequences of a Brain in Distress
Different neurological conditions impact the visual system in unique ways, but they all share a common theme: they disrupt the brain’s ability to efficiently process what the eyes are seeing.
Stroke (CVA):
A stroke can damage the parts of the brain that process vision, leading to:
Visual Field Loss (Hemianopia):
A loss of vision on one side of your visual field. This can make it difficult to navigate and avoid obstacles.
Visual Neglect:
The brain ignores information from one side of the body and space, even though the eyes can see it.
Double Vision (Diplopia):
The eyes become misaligned, causing you to see two of everything.
Parkinson’s Disease:
This condition affects the control of automatic muscle movements, including those of the eyes. Common visual issues include:
Convergence Insufficiency:
The eyes have difficulty turning inward to focus on near objects, making reading difficult.
Reduced Blink Rate:
This leads to severe dry eye and discomfort.
Difficulties with Eye Movements:
Trouble with the quick eye movements needed for reading and scanning your environment.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
MS causes inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells, including the optic nerve.
Optic Neuritis:
Inflammation of the optic nerve, often an early sign of MS, causing blurry vision, dim colors, and pain with eye movement.
Nystagmus:
Involuntary, jerky eye movements that can make it difficult to focus.
Double Vision:
Due to a lack of coordination between the eye muscles.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
A concussion or other head injury can cause a wide range of vision problems known as Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome, including light sensitivity, focusing problems, and double vision [1].
Rebuilding Your Visual World, One Connection at a Time
Our CogniViiSION® Longevity Framework uses the principles of neuroplasticity to help your brain adapt and find new ways to process visual information, even after a neurological event.
The Comprehensive Neuro-Optometric Evaluation
1
We conduct a detailed assessment of your entire visual system, including eye teaming, focusing, tracking, visual fields, and visual processing. This allows us to pinpoint the exact areas where the brain-eye connection has been disrupted.
Your Personalized Neuro-Rehabilitation Plan
2
Based on your unique needs, we create a customized therapy program. This is not just “eye exercises”; it is a structured program of neuro-optometric rehabilitation designed to rebuild neural pathways. Your plan may include:
- In-Office Neuro-Visual Therapy: Using therapeutic activities and advanced technology to retrain your visual skills.
- Therapeutic Lenses with Prism: Specialized lenses that can help to realign your eyes, expand your visual field, or correct for visual neglect.
- Light Therapy (Syntonics): Using specific colors of light to help rebalance your autonomic nervous system and reduce visual stress.
Improving Function for a Better Quality of Life
3
Our goal is to improve your functional vision so you can perform daily activities more easily and safely. This includes improving your ability to read, navigate your home, and interact with the world around you, ultimately enhancing your independence and quality of life.
Seeing a Path Forward After a Neurological Diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: My neurologist/doctor has never mentioned this. Why not?
A1: Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a highly specialized field that is not yet widely understood by all medical professionals. We work to educate other providers and often receive referrals once they see the life-changing results our patients experience.
Q2: Can you cure my neurological condition?
A2: No. We do not treat the underlying neurological disease. Our goal is to treat the visual consequences of the disease to improve your function and quality of life.
Q3: Is there hope for improvement even if my injury was years ago?
A3: Yes. Due to the brain’s neuroplasticity, improvements can be made at any time, regardless of how long ago the neurological event occurred. We have helped patients who are years or even decades post-diagnosis.
Q4: How does this work with my other therapies (PT, OT, Speech)?
A4: We work collaboratively with your entire rehabilitation team. Vision is the dominant sense, and when we improve visual function, it often makes other therapies more effective. We will communicate with your other providers to ensure a coordinated approach to your care.
References
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Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. (n.d.). What is Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation?. Retrieved from https://nora.memberclicks.net/
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American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Vision Problems After Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/physical-effects-of-stroke/vision-problems-after-stroke
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Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d.). Vision Changes. Retrieved from https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/vision-changes
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National MS Society. (n.d.). Vision Problems. Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Vision-Problems
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American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. (Provides information on the field).
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College of Optometrists in Vision Development. (n.d.). Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. (Explains the role of vision therapy)
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Amen, D. G. (2021). The End of Mental Illness. Tyndale House Publishers. (Provides context on brain health and rehabilitation).
There is Hope for a Clearer, More Comfortable Life.
If you are living with a neurological condition, you do not have to accept debilitating visual symptoms as your new normal. A neuro-optometric evaluation can be the first step toward improving your functional vision and reclaiming your quality of life.
