19002 Park Row, Ste 203

Houston, TX 77084

Call Us: 832-684-9833

Neuro-Optometry

What is "neuro-optometry"?

Neuro-optometry is a sub-specialty that focuses on the function of the visual system after it has been altered by a neurological event. These events can include brain injuries, concussions, strokes and neuro-degenerative diseases.

This sub-specialty also addresses patient care needs when increased near visual demands or significant life stressors cause the visual system to decompensate. Whether one has suffered from a neurological event or has decompensated eye postures (that are often seen alongside sedentary lifestyles or alongside extreme screentime), we frequently find that these patients also suffer from Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).

Neuro-optometric treatment retrains and strengthens the neural connections ​​​​​​​in the brain to improve visual function, leading to better overall well-being.

What is the difference between neuro-optometry and neuro-ophthalmology?

Neuro-optometry is focused on the treatment of the visual problems that are caused by some neurological insult. These treatments involve specialized glasses, colored lens therapy (such as syntonics or tinted glasses), prisms, nutritional supplementation, and rehabilitation exercises.

Neuro-ophthalmology is focused on the diagnosis of neurological insults that are causing the visual problems. They are able to prescribe medications, such as IV infusions or neurological drugs, and they can coordinate for surgical procedures when necessary.

Common conditions seen:

  • Acquired brain injury

  • Concussion / head trauma

  • Brain tumors

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson disease

  • Stroke(s)

Common symptoms:

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred vision / difficulty focusing

  • Doubled vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Visual field loss

  • Poor depth perception

  • Difficulty concentrating when doing visual tasks

  • Feeling like the eyes are crossing or not working together

  • Headaches / neck aches

Why is vision impacted by neurological insults or increased stress?

Every part of the brain is involved in processing visual information in some way. If the brain sustains an injury or significant stress of some sort, it is very likely that vision will be affected in some way.

What is "Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation" (NOR)?

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (NOR) is the name used when treating patients who experience these issues (vision problems after a concussion, brain injury, neurological insult, etc). It is called "rehabilitation" because prior to the neurological insult, often the individual did not struggle with their vision in any way. The goal of neuro-optometric rehabilitation is therefore to help rehabilitate the person, meaning, help them get back to a state when vision wasn't affecting them.

In neuro-optometric rehabilitation, based on one's history, symptoms, and diagnosis(-es), a patient may find relief through wearing a new glasses prescription with different lens treatments; in other cases, patients may benefit from a program that includes multiple treatment modalities for full recovery (such as incorporating rehabilitative exercises, colored light therapy, and specialized glasses).

Outcomes Of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation

  • Improved visual function, leading to decreased or complete resolution of overall symptoms and improvements in daily activities

  • Decreased, or complete resolution, of feeling overwhelmed or anxious while driving or in busy environments, such as malls or big box stores

  • Improved integration of vision with other systems such as vestibular and proprioception, alleviating dizziness and leading to improvements in overall coordination and balance

  • Significant reduction or complete resolution of headaches, migraines, eye strain and light sensitivity.

Don't wait - contact us today!

If you or your child are experiencing any visual symptoms due to a concussion or traumatic/acquired brain injury, it's important to take action and seek treatment as soon as possible. By addressing these issues early on, you can help prevent long-term vision problems.

Don't wait – contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the necessary steps towards recovery.

Contact Details

Texas Vision Therapy

19002 Park Row Suite 203

Houston, TX 77084

Phone: 832-684-9833

Fax: 346-352-9156

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday:

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM


Friday to Sunday:

Closed