Episode 29

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Published on:

3rd Jun 2026

Vision Problems After a Concussion: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

Experiencing blurred vision, double vision, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty reading after a concussion? You're not alone.

On the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen explores how concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can affect the visual system, even when a standard eye exam appears normal.

Learn why symptoms such as eye strain, light sensitivity, trouble focusing, visual fatigue, and reading difficulties are so common after a head injury. Dr. Allen explains three of the most frequently diagnosed post-concussion vision disorders: accommodative insufficiency, convergence insufficiency, and saccadic dysfunction.

You'll also discover why these conditions are often missed, when to seek specialized care, and how vision therapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation may help support recovery.

Whether you're recovering from a concussion, caring for a loved one with a brain injury, or looking for answers about persistent vision symptoms, this episode provides practical guidance and evidence-based information to help you better understand the connection between concussion and vision.

What You Will Learn

✅ Why vision problems are one of the most common symptoms following a concussion

✅ The difference between accommodative insufficiency, convergence insufficiency, and saccadic dysfunction

✅ Why standard eye exams may not detect post-concussion visual disorders

✅ How vision therapy and interdisciplinary rehabilitation can support recovery

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Concussion Rehab References: https://doctoreyehealth.com/concussion-rehab-references

Key Timestamps

  • (00:00) Understanding Concussion-Related Vision Problems
  • (02:34) Common Symptoms of Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
  • (03:03) How Brain Injuries Affect the Visual System
  • (04:11) Why Eye Exams Can Appear Normal Despite Visual Symptoms
  • (04:38) Accommodative Insufficiency Explained
  • (05:45) Understanding Convergence Insufficiency and Double Vision
  • (06:20) What Is Saccadic Dysfunction?
  • (07:45) How Visual Dysfunction Impacts Reading, School, and Work
  • (08:34) Additional Eye Movement Disorders After Concussion
  • (09:12) Recovery Timelines and Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms
  • (10:46) When to Seek Medical and Vision Care
  • (12:00) How Vision Therapy Can Help Recovery
  • (12:43) The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Team
  • (13:37) Resources for Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers

Key Takeaways

🔹 Up to 65–80% of people experience some form of visual dysfunction during the acute phase following a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

🔹 Common post-concussion vision disorders include accommodative insufficiency, convergence insufficiency, and saccadic dysfunction, all of which can significantly impact daily activities.

🔹 Many patients experience persistent symptoms despite having healthy eyes and normal visual acuity, highlighting the importance of specialized vision evaluations.

🔹 Recovery often requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include vision therapy, physical therapy, neurology, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation specialists.

Want More from Dr Eye Health? Check out these Videos:

Resources Mentioned

About Dr. Joseph Allen

Dr. Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, is a board-certified optometrist and founder of Dr. Eye Health. He specializes in eye disease, dry eye treatment, specialty contact lenses, and educating patients about vision and eye health through evidence-based content. Through his podcast, YouTube channel, and clinical practice, Dr. Allen helps people better understand their eyes and make informed decisions about their vision care.

concussion, concussion recovery, post concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, TBI, vision problems, concussion vision symptoms, blurred vision, double vision, vision therapy, eye tracking, saccades, convergence insufficiency, accommodative insufficiency, brain injury rehabilitation, eye health, Dr Joseph Allen, Dr Eye Health

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About the Podcast

Doctor Eye Health Podcast
Your eyes are talking. Learn to listen.


The Doctor Eye Health Podcast keeps eye care simple and practical.. Rooted in timeless clinical wisdom with modern optometry research, Dr. Joseph Allen, a board-certified eye doctor and trusted educator, delivers vision care tips that help you protect your eyesight for life.


This optometry podcast covers the topics people actually search for: dry eye routines that work, eye floater treatments, myopia control, cataracts, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease, and eye strain from screen time. You’ll also hear clear talk on blue light, contact lens hygiene, kids’ vision, nutrition for eye and brain health, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and when LASIK or other eye surgeries make sense. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, are preparing for an eye exam, study optometry, or just want daily eye health tips, you’ll find practical steps you can use at home and in the clinic.


Dr. Allen brings in world-class experts to explain what works, what doesn’t, and what’s still being studied. New content drops reliably: one in-depth interview each month and at least one bite-size weekly lesson with usable checklists, myth busting, and vision advice you can trust.


What you will learn
✅ How to build daily habits that reduce eye strain and protect vision
✅ Clear, evidence-based explainers on eye diseases and treatment options
✅ Which supplements and nutrition choices support eye and brain health
✅ How sleep, stress, hormones, and inflammation affect your eyesight
✅ What to ask your eye doctor and how to prep for exams or surgery
✅ The truth about blue light, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and LASIK


Tap follow and turn on notifications so the next episode is always in your line of sight. The Doctor Eye Health Podcast gives you trusted insight from a board-certified optometrist, approachable education that fits a normal day, and a balanced view that connects the clinic to everyday life. Stronger habits. Smarter choices. Healthier eyes.


About the Host

Dr. Joseph Allen is a board-certified optometrist and educator who makes eye health education simple and evidence-based. He connects vision, brain, sleep, and lifestyle so listeners can protect sight with confidence. On Doctor Eye Health, he blends classic clinical wisdom with current research and eye health tips you can use today.


Resource Links
Website: www.doctoreyehealth.com
YouTube: Doctor Eye Health
Instagram: @doctoreyehealth
TikTok: @doctoreyehealth
Facebook: Doctor Eye Health
LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen


Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Joseph Allen