Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome: Common Symptoms After a Concussion or Car Accident

Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome: Common Symptoms After a Concussion or Car Accident

If you’re still struggling to focus, read, or navigate busy environments after a concussion or car accident, you may be dealing with Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) — a condition that disrupts how your brain and eyes work together after an injury.

At our Kansas City clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC frequently evaluates patients with lingering visual symptoms following traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Understanding PTVS is key to finding the right treatment and getting back to work, school, or daily life without frustration.

What Is Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome?

Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) is a neurological condition caused by disrupted communication between the brain and the visual system after trauma. It commonly occurs after:

• Concussions

• Whiplash or car accidents

• Sports injuries

• Falls or blunt force head trauma

Even if your eyes are structurally healthy, your brain may not be processing visual input correctly. That’s why many patients say, “My eyes check out fine, but I still feel off.”

Common Symptoms of PTVS

PTVS symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, and often mimic other post-concussion problems. Patients in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and Liberty frequently report:

👁️ Blurred or Double Vision

Even if your vision was fine before the injury, you may now struggle to keep things in focus or see a single clear image.

📚 Difficulty Reading

Losing your place, skipping lines, or feeling fatigued quickly while reading are classic signs of oculomotor dysfunction from PTVS.

😵 Dizziness or Motion Sensitivity

You might feel dizzy in stores, scrolling on your phone, or riding in a car — especially when the eyes and inner ear aren’t working together properly.

💡 Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Bright lights, sunlight, or fluorescent lighting may cause headaches or discomfort.

🧠 Eye Strain and Headaches

You may experience pain behind the eyes or tension headaches after using screens or trying to focus on detailed tasks.

🚶 Poor Depth Perception and Balance

You may bump into things, feel unsure on stairs, or lose your balance — especially in visually complex settings.

🌀 Visual Overload in Crowds or Busy Environments

Places like grocery stores, malls, or parking lots may feel overwhelming or make your symptoms worse.

⏳ Delayed Processing or Brain Fog

Even if you can see clearly, your brain may take longer to interpret visual input, leading to mental fatigue or slow reaction times.

Why PTVS Happens After Concussion

The brain's visual processing system is highly integrated with balance, movement, and attention. After a concussion or whiplash injury, even subtle disruptions to this network can cause lingering problems.

PTVS often involves:

• Oculomotor dysfunction (eye movement problems)

• Visual-vestibular mismatch (conflicting messages from the eyes and inner ear)

• Convergence insufficiency (eyes not focusing together at near)

• Accommodation issues (trouble switching focus from near to far)

These issues won’t show up on a standard eye exam, which is why so many patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

How We Help Patients With PTVS in Kansas City

At our clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC performs a full post-concussion visual screening as part of your evaluation. We test:

• Eye tracking and focus

• Convergence and divergence

• Gaze stabilization

• Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)

• Visual motion sensitivity

If PTVS is present, we customize a treatment plan that may include:

• Oculomotor and gaze stabilization exercises

• VOR retraining and visual-vestibular integration

• Convergence training for reading

• Balance and sensory re-integration

• Collaboration with neuro-optometrists when advanced support is needed

Don’t Ignore Vision Problems After a Concussion

Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming — but it’s also very treatable when diagnosed properly.

At our Kansas City clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC helps patients recover from lingering concussion symptoms through a complete approach that includes vestibular, cervical, and visual rehab.

Call 816-226-7476 today to schedule your evaluation and find out if Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome is affecting your recovery.

Special thanks to Complete Concussions for their training and educational resources. To learn more about comprehensive concussion treatment options, visit completeconcussions.com.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always follow the advice and treatment plan given by your medical professional.

Been in an Accident? Schedule Your Free Consultation

Auto Accident Injury Specialists - Call Now!

Expert Personal Injury Care