Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI More than 1.5 million Americans suffer a TBl per year Optometrists play an important role in the care of patients with TBl by diagnos ing and treating the related visual conditions and by working as part of an inter disciplinary team with hospitals and clinics. Treating TBl-related visual and ocular disorders can make significant differences in a patient's rehabilitative progress and quality of life. Recovery from a TBI takes place for at least 18 to 36 months. Some recover ithin the first 6 months, which emphasizes the importance of early assessment nd treatment, but it is never too late to assess and treat these patients. Conditions and symptoms seen with TBl's include visual, cognitive, auditory vestibular, physical, emotional, and/or behavioral dysfunctions. Symptoms may in clude sleep disturbances (84%), irritability (84%), memory problems (76%), atten tion/concentration problems (79%), mood swings (76%), headaches (71%), light/ noise sensitivity (69%), depression (66%), visual disturbances (66%), tinnitus (58%) excessive fatigue (58%), balance problems (42%) and dizziness (40%). Swelling of the retina can also occur. 75% of patients with TBI reported visual problems including light sensitiv- ity (59%). Most patients show normal to near-normal corrected visual acuity and visual fields and complain of blurred vision, confusion when doing visual tasks, dizziness/vertigo, double vision, eye strain, headache, reduced attention on visua tasks, problems reading and visual fatigue. Signs may include abnormal body pos- ture, closing or covering one eye, head tilts or turns, poor judgment of depth, or a reduced ability to accurately locate objects These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive binocular vision nd ocular health exam. Management options for patients with acquired brain in jury include Treatment of the visual dysfunction. This may involve using lenses, prisms, oc clusion, low vision devices, and/or yoked prisms, bi-nasal occlusion, vision therapy and prismatic visual field expansion devices. Treatment of ocular disease or injury. This may involve treating the patient or comanaging him or her with other healthcare professionals Don't delay! Make an Appointment Today! Call 814-371-2020 For Relief of the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions. Dr. Wendy Strouse Watt DuBois Vision Clinic 814-371-2020 105 Beaver Drive, Suite 100 DuBois, PA