Treatment of TBI, concussions an underutilized focus in ophthalmology
Though given little attention during residency training, the area of visual performance should become the standard of care in patients with traumatic brain injury, explains Barry L. Seiller, MD, MBA.
Take-home message: Though given little attention during residency training, the area of visual performance should become the standard of care in patients with traumatic brain injury, explains Barry L. Seiller, MD, MBA.
By Barry L. Seiller, MD, MBA, Special to Ophthalmology Times
As one of the few ophthalmologists who specializes in the evaluation and training of visual skills and how those skills impact athletics, academics, and rehabilitation, I am constantly surprised by how many of my colleagues are unfamiliar with this area of the visual system.
While the area of visual performance is given little exposure during residency training, it has an impact on many functions of patients’ everyday lives.
I became interested in this field in the 1990s through an optometrist who received an education in the field of visual performance as part of his training. Visual performance services can generate more patient visits, and depending on the business model, the ophthalmologist or optometrist can charge “out of pocket” for the services.
Visual function areas
Four main areas of visual function include: visual acuity, visual field, oculomotor control, and central visual processing.
One of the parts of the visual system-the visual-motor portion-comprises such components as tracking, convergence/divergence, visual recognition/memory, and depth perception. While interrelated, these components can be isolated, are measurable, and in many instances are trainable.
Students with reading issues may be born with reduced visual skills; athletes may want to enhance their existing visual skills to improve athletic performance; and