How Vision Can Change as a Result of Illness or Injury There are many illnesses and injuries that can have dramatic effects on the visual system. Traumatic head injuries, strokes and severe or prolonged illness can cause problems and changes in the visual system. The result can be problems with eye teaming, tracking, diplopia (double vision), perceptual and/or focusing problems. A thorough evaluation of the functional visual system by a board certified developmental optometrist is the best way to diagnose the extent of damage done to the visual system when illness or injury occurs. The following are brief descriptions of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome. Both syndromes can be the result of illness or injuries that have affected the visual system. The symptoms listed are common to the syndromes and should indicate to you if you or your patient should be referred to a developmental optometrist for evaluation and possible neuro-optometric rehabilitation. When should assessment occur? Due to the major impact of the visual system on cognitive and motor function, the visual rehabilitative needs of the brain injured, stroke, or neurologically impaired patient must be addressed as early as possible. Help with Assessment These guides and checklists have been prepared to assist patients and rehabilitation professionals in determining the appropriateness of referring persons who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, CVA or other neurological impairment. This information should be used as a first step in determining if visual difficulties are interfering with the rehabilitation progress of the individual. Please call or e-mail Minnesota Vision Therapy Center for more information or to set up an initial evaluation. (A recent - no more than twelve months old - general eye health exam is required prior to the evaluation appointment.) We are happy to provide you with a list of optometrists in your area if you do not already have a family optometrist. Post Trauma Vision Syndrome Visual Midline Shift Syndrome |