Ocular

Ocular Training in Concussion Treatment

At PhysioActive, we understand that a concussion can impact various systems in the body, including the visual system. Ocular training is an integral part of our comprehensive concussion rehabilitation program, designed to address and treat the visual disturbances that often accompany concussions.

The Importance of Ocular Training

Concussions can disrupt the brain’s ability to process visual information correctly, leading to symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Ocular training is essential for restoring proper visual function, which is critical for overall body awareness, posture, and central nervous system (CNS) function.

Key Components of Ocular Training

1. Gaze Fixation: This involves training the eyes to maintain a steady focus on a single point. After a concussion, the ability to keep your gaze fixed can be compromised, leading to difficulties with balance and spatial awareness. Gaze fixation exercises help re-establish this ability, improving stability and reducing dizziness.
2. Ocular Exercises: These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that control eye movement and coordination. By improving ocular motor control, we can help alleviate symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and difficulties with reading and screen use.
3. Vestibular-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Training: The VOR is a reflex that stabilizes vision during head movements. Concussions can impair this reflex, leading to issues with balance and coordination. VOR training helps retrain the brain to correctly coordinate head and eye movements, which is crucial for activities like walking, running, and any movement involving quick changes in direction.
4. Pursuits and Saccades: Pursuit exercises involve smoothly following a moving object with the eyes, while saccades involve quickly shifting focus between two points. These exercises are essential for tasks that require visual tracking and quick eye movements, such as reading or playing sports. Improving these functions can enhance cognitive processing, reduce symptoms, and support overall CNS recovery.

How Ocular Training Enhances Recovery

Ocular training not only improves visual function but also plays a significant role in restoring the body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation. By integrating these exercises into your concussion treatment plan, we address the visual component of your injury, helping to reduce symptoms faster and more effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your recovery are considered, leading to better long-term outcomes.

At PhysioActive, our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. By including ocular training in our concussion rehabilitation program, we help you regain full visual function, improve your posture, and support your CNS in its recovery, getting you back to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.