The majority of the hardwiring of the brain involves the visual pathway, so it is common to experience a visual problem after a brain injury. The most common visual symptoms/visual problems associated with acquired brain injury (ABI) are:
- Blurred vision at distance viewing
- Blurred vision at near viewing
- Slow shift of focus from near-to-far or far-to-near
- Difficulty copying or taking notes
- Double vision
- Pulling or tugging sensation around eyes
- Unable to sustain near work or reading for periods of time
- Loss of place while reading
- Eyes get tired while reading
- Headaches while reading
- Covering/closing one eye
- Easily distracted when reading
- Decreased attention span
- Reduced concentration ability
- Difficulty remembering what has been read
- Loss of balance
- Face/head turn or head tilt
- Bothered by movement in environment and/or by crowded environments
- Light sensitivity
- A sensation of the floor, ceiling, or walls tilting
- Dizziness
- A sensation of the room spinning
- A sensation of not feeling grounded
- Postural shifts/veering off when walking
Some of this information was produced by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, which board certifies qualified optometric physicians in vision therapy. www.covd.org.