The eyes are responsible for helping you see and perceive the world around you, but the actions of the eyes are only possible if the brain is doing its work behind the scenes to correctly process the information the eyes collect. Neuro rehab has been known to help with all kinds of neurological conditions, but many people do not know that neuro-rehab can also be done to help people with certain visual impairments.

Neuro Rehab Vision Therapy Explained

Neuro rehab, which is technically referred to in optometry as neuro-optometric rehabilitation, is a specialized field in the world of optometric treatment. Neuro vision rehab actually combines both optometry and neurology to help when the brain is not properly processing the information the eyes are sending to the brain and it is creating issues with vision.

Even though vision problems are commonly expected to be just problems with the eyes alone, the neurological processes of the brain have a lot to do with how we perceive what it is that our eyes see. If there is a disruption in the way information is processed by the brain due to communication issues in the neurological pathways, it can cause issues with vision. For example, you may be looking at a single object, but the brain is not collecting information from both eyes simultaneously, and it is resulting in double vision.

Neuro vision rehab involves an individually designed program of visual exercises that are done with the help of a doctor. Neuro rehab sessions are usually done weekly in the eye doctor’s office, and they can take about an hour to complete. The program may also include visual exercises to be done at home in between sessions with the doctor as well.

The goal of this kind of rehab is to help redevelop neurological pathways that aid in processing visual information properly when it is transmitted from the eyes to the brain. The brain is capable of evolving and finding new ways to process information, even when it comes to visual processing. Therefore, neuro-rehab therapy for the eyes can be highly efficient.

Why Do People Need Neuro Rehab for Their Vision

On the most general level, people may need neuro rehab for visual problems if a doctor determines that the communication between the eyes and the brain is not as it should be, but what causes this disruption? Multiple underlying causative factors can exist that can lead a patient to need neuro-rehab because of vision issues.  For example, the problem could be caused by:

• A traumatic brain injury that has affected the neurological processing of visual information
• Diseases that affect neurological processes or parts of the brain responsible for perceiving image information from the eyes
• Existing birth defects that have interfered with brain-vision processing

In the case of neuro-rehab after head trauma, post-trauma vision syndrome (PTVS) can be the issue that has to be tended to during rehabilitative efforts. PTVS causes direct deficits in the brain’s ability to process visual information due to injury after something as simple as whiplash, concussion, or a mild traumatic brain injury. Signs of PTVS can include:

• The eyes do not work together as they should
• Difficulty maintaining visual focus
• Headaches or migraines when you try to maintain visual focus

Through neuro-rehab with an optometrist, some vision issues can sometimes be addressed as the brain relearns how to process visual information. This non-surgical form of treatment can be attempted before other measures of treatment are taken.

Understanding the Role of a Neuro-Optometrist During Neuro Rehab

When a patient first visits the neuro-optometrist for assistance, the doctor will do a thorough assessment of their visual abilities. For example, eye-teaming exercises may be done to determine if the eyes are working together and in-depth vision tests will be completed. The neuro-optometrist will assess the patient’s condition according to the information gathered, and then build a neuro-rehab plan that is specifically catered to the suspected issues that exist.

Reach Out to Us at Complete Low Vision Care for Information About Neuro Rehab for Vision

For individuals who have issues with their vision due to a traumatic injury or something else, finding out that there could be a non-surgical way to help improve their vision is reassuring. If you believe you have a neurological issue that is affecting your vision, reach out to us at Complete Low Vision Care for more information about neuro-rehab for your vision in our office.