Eyecare
neuro-optometry
This is a sub-specialty of Kristine Jensen’s optometry practise and involves specialty assessment of patients who have undergone brain injury by way of concussion, stroke or degenerative event.
Working alongside Neuro and Vestibular Physiotherapists and with ACC, Kristine can shed light on persistent visual and visual-vestibular issues following your head injury.
In addition Kristine is an accredited Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapist for visual symptoms of Visual Snow.
Post-Concussion Symptoms + Vision
Concussion is a brain injury caused by movement of the brain within the skull either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or torso or a whip-lash type injury. Brain cells are damaged leading to loss of function. While the majority of concussion patients will reover within 3 weeks, 20 percent of patients may suffer from the following symptoms;
Blurred or double vision or vision discomfort- due to disruption of the accommodation (focusing) and convergence (eye-aiming) systems
Visual Field loss- due to damage of the optic nerve or visual pathway or processing of the brain
Eye movements or tracking- ability to accurately scan across a page of print
Visual memory or speed of visual processing
Vestibulo-ocular reflex- the balance system involving the eye-inner ear connection
Glare or light sensitivity- discomfort with stripy patterns, sunlight or indoor lighting or screens
Moderate to Severe Brain Injury + Vision
While concussion does not reveal any physical changes to the brain, more severe brain injury such as those caused by stroke, tumour, physical trauma or toxic injury can have even more pronounced effect on the visual and vision-vestibular system.
It is not uncommon for these patients to be left with permanent visual field loss or double vision due to cranial nerve paralysis.
This group of patients require specialist care by a Neuro-Optometrist who can understand the vision challenges that they face.
Visual Snow + Visual Snow Syndrome
While often mistaken for migraine, Visual Snow has a hallmark symptom of persistent black, white, coloured or even transparent dots or ‘static’ within the vision regardless of whether the eyes are open or closed. While it may be present from birth, it can occur at any age.
Visual Snow Syndrome is a newly defined neurological disorder and is thought to affect around two percent of the population. Including not just persistent visual static but additional visual or non-visual symptoms such as those listed below.
While some cases are benign, more severe cases can be debilitating – with some patients not being able to work or even leave their homes.
If you think you may have visual snow or visual snow syndrome, please reach out and we will provide a symptom survey to gather more background information. You will require a comprehensive eye examination to ensure your eyes and visual system are healthy as there are other ocular health and general health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
In some cases, visual snow may follow a triggering event; which is useful to know as this can help drive the direction of therapy. For instance, traumatic brain injury can sometimes lead to visual snow – even years later!
Once a diagnosis has been made, you may be prescribed a customised coloured filters or speciality lenses to reduce your symptoms. There has also been great success with tailored visual therapy courses, which help to make your visual system more robust, reducing visual stress and sensitivity.
neuro-optometry therapy
Depending on the patient, a recommendation is made with how best to manage symptoms and improve function. This may be by way of specialty glasses, coloured filters, prisms or vision therapy.
Neuro-Optometric Examination $333
10 week Vision Therapy course $1290