(519) 204-7230
How a car accident can affect your vision
The sudden jolt of a collision can cause a concussion, even if you didn’t hit your head. Whiplash can also disrupt how your neck, inner ear and eyes coordinate. Either one can change how your eyes and brain work together.
These problems often don’t show up on a standard eye chart. You may still see 20/20, yet struggle to read, use a screen, drive or be in busy places. Symptoms sometimes appear days or weeks after the accident.
Get emergency care right away for a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness or numbness, or a sudden change in vision after a crash.
Signs to watch for
- Headaches or eye strain when reading or using screens
- Blurred or double vision
- Words moving on the page, losing your place or re-reading lines
- Dizziness or feeling off-balance in busy places like grocery stores
- Sensitivity to light or to motion, including as a passenger
- Tiring quickly with visual tasks, or trouble concentrating
Check your symptoms with the Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey.
What happens at your assessment
We review how the accident happened, your symptoms since, and what makes them worse. Then we measure eye teaming, focusing, eye movements and how your vision interacts with balance and motion.
We explain what we found in plain language and recommend next steps. The assessment doesn’t replace a routine eye health exam, which your own optometrist continues to provide.
How treatment works
- In-office vision therapy to retrain eye teaming, focusing and eye movements, and to rebuild tolerance to visual motion.
- A home program of short daily exercises, supported by our patient tools.
- Lenses and filters where helpful: prescription lenses, prisms or tinted filters to reduce strain, double vision and light sensitivity.
Both Dr. Suwala and Dr. Buxton see patients recovering from concussion and brain injury.
Working with your care team and insurance
Vision is one part of recovery. We are glad to coordinate with your family doctor, physiotherapist and other members of your care team.
In Ontario, the accident benefits on your auto insurance may help cover assessment and treatment after a car accident. Your adjuster or case manager can confirm what applies to your claim. Call us at (519) 204-7230 and we’ll explain what we need to get started.
Common questions
My eyes tested 20/20. Can I still have a vision problem?
Yes. An eye chart measures how clearly you see letters. It doesn’t test how well your eyes team, focus, track or handle motion, which is where problems usually show up after a concussion or whiplash.
How soon after an accident should I be assessed?
If vision symptoms haven’t settled after a few weeks, or they’re getting in the way of work, school or driving, it’s worth being assessed. You don’t need to wait for other treatment to finish.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If another health professional referred you, bring any reports they gave you.