Doctor Eye Health Podcast

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 👉 Like the podcast? Stay updated with the latest eye health tips, treatments, and expert advice by signing up for the newsletter at Dr. Eye Health [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] Concussion Rehab References: https://doctoreyehealth.com/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: * My Concussion Story https://youtu.be/4-cs9jLCMEg [https://youtu.be/4-cs9jLCMEg] * Are Your Migraines a Warning Sign? Migraine Aura, Triggers, and Treatments Explained https://youtu.be/dBtj8-ITb8M?si=JlsQMZI5Y3ihyr9X [https://youtu.be/dBtj8-ITb8M?si=JlsQMZI5Y3ihyr9X] * What causes PHOTOPHOBIA (light sensitivity) and how to fix it https://youtu.be/ikQUUoyyZIY?si=NDUnBco69meOhWQ9 [https://youtu.be/ikQUUoyyZIY?si=NDUnBco69meOhWQ9] RESOURCES MENTIONED * International Brain Injury Association [https://www.internationalbrain.org/] https://www.internationalbrain.org/ * Brain Injury Association of America [https://biausa.org/] https://biausa.org/ * Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] * YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth] * Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth [https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth] * TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth [https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth] * Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth] * LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/] 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

Red Light Therapy for Eyes Review: Can It Improve Vision or Damage Your Retina?

CAN RED LIGHT THERAPY ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR VISION? CAN RED LIGHT THERAPY ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR VISION? OPTOMETRIST DR. JOSEPH ALLEN BREAKS DOWN THE LATEST RESEARCH ON RED LIGHT THERAPY, PHOTOBIOMODULATION, MACULAR DEGENERATION, DRY EYE DISEASE, DIABETIC RETINOPATHY, AND MYOPIA CONTROL. LEARN HOW RED LIGHT AFFECTS RETINAL HEALTH, INFLAMMATION, MITOCHONDRIA, AND EYE SAFETY, PLUS THE MAJOR RISKS OF USING UNREGULATED LED DEVICES AT HOME. IF YOU’VE BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY, VISION IMPROVEMENT, OR EYE WELLNESS TRENDS, THIS EPISODE IS A MUST-LISTEN. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ✅ How red light therapy works inside the cells and mitochondria ✅ Why photobiomodulation may help macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy ✅ How red light therapy could improve dry eye disease and eyelid inflammation ✅ The emerging research on slowing myopia progression in children ✅ Why wavelength, power density, and dosage matter for eye safety ✅ The risks of using unregulated red light therapy devices online ✅ What doctors are currently using in clinical settings for retinal conditions 👉 Like the podcast? Stay updated with the latest eye health tips, treatments, and expert advice by signing up for the newsletter at Dr. Eye Health 👉Red Light Research https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/red-light-references [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/red-light-references] TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 Red light therapy for eye health explained * 02:05 How photobiomodulation affects mitochondria and inflammation * 04:18 Red light therapy for macular degeneration and retinal disease * 06:30 Can red light therapy help diabetic eye disease? * 07:20 Red light therapy for dry eye disease and chalazions * 08:10 Research on slowing childhood myopia progression * 09:50 Wavelengths, power density, and retinal response * 11:05 The biggest safety concerns with red light therapy devices * 13:10 Professional vs at-home red light therapy treatments * 14:05 Previous interview with ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Dodson KEY TAKEAWAYS * Red light therapy may help improve retinal function and visual acuity in some eye diseases * FDA-approved light therapy devices for macular degeneration are now entering the market * Research suggests benefits for dry eye disease, inflammation, and diabetic retinal swelling * Safety concerns remain, especially with online LED devices lacking regulation * Professional supervision is important before trying any red light therapy for vision 🎧 Learn more about red light therapy for eye health, dry eyes, and retinal treatment Red Light Therapy: Eye Health Miracle? https://youtu.be/jnbGuZIPljs?si=AWs8w-XcNMvurw3_ [https://youtu.be/jnbGuZIPljs?si=AWs8w-XcNMvurw3_] Red Light Therapy Eye Treatment Explained: What Actually Works? | Dr. Robert Dotson https://youtu.be/LJsCmeDi0fU?si=33IVy7NPInrJ0LeO [https://youtu.be/LJsCmeDi0fU?si=33IVy7NPInrJ0LeO] Red Light Therapy for Dry Eyes https://youtu.be/eTB6RGYQbTI?si=4HBrWZaiYzucOlLC [https://youtu.be/eTB6RGYQbTI?si=4HBrWZaiYzucOlLC] RESOURCES & LINKS * Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] * YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth] * Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth [https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth] * TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth [https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth] * Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth] * LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/] red light therapy, photobiomodulation, eye health, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye treatment, myopia control, red light therapy eyes, retinal health, infrared light therapy, diabetic macular edema, vision improvement, eye doctor podcast, optometry podcast, mitochondrial health, retinal disease treatment, low level light therapy, eye inflammation, pediatric myopia, eye wellness

My Concussion Story | What I Learned About Brain Injury, Vision Problems & Recovery with Dr. Jacqueline Theis

One snowboard crash changed everything. After suffering a concussion while snowboarding in Canada, Dr. Joseph Allen shares the emotional and physical reality of concussion recovery, traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and vision problems after concussion on this episode of the Doctor Eye Health podcast. Joined by neuro-optometrist Dr. Jacqueline Theis, they break down post-traumatic amnesia, brain injury rehabilitation, and how modern concussion treatment has evolved beyond simply resting in a dark room. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ✅ How concussion symptoms can appear without headaches or dizziness ✅ Why vision problems are common after traumatic brain injuries ✅ How memory loss and post-traumatic amnesia affect recovery ✅ Why active rehabilitation improves concussion recovery outcomes 👉 Like the podcast? Stay updated with the latest eye health tips, treatments, and expert advice by signing up for the newsletter here: https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] KEY TIMESTAMPS * (00:00) Dr. Joseph Allen shares his snowboarding concussion story in Canada * (01:11) Dr. Jacqueline Theis explains her experience treating concussion patients * (03:06) The Snowboarding Accident in Canada and the missing memory gap begins * (06:41) Early Signs of Concussion and Memory Loss * (09:24) Hidden Concussion Symptoms and ER Decision * (12:21) Post-Traumatic Amnesia and Anxiety After Brain Injury * (15:27) Inside the Quebec ER Experience * (18:30) Modern Concussion Recovery and Brain Injury Rehab * (21:26) Exercise, Whiplash Recovery, and Vision Rehabilitation * (25:00) Why Concussion Symptoms Can Last for Years * (26:24) The Importance of Multidisciplinary Concussion Care KEY TAKEAWAYS 🔹 Concussions can happen even without obvious symptoms 🔹 Vision dysfunction is common after brain injuries 🔹 Recovery approaches for concussion have changed dramatically 🔹 Patients can still improve years after a concussion Want More from Dr Eye Health? Check out these Videos: * Are Your Migraines a Warning Sign? Migraine Aura, Triggers, and Treatments Explained https://youtu.be/dBtj8-ITb8M?si=JlsQMZI5Y3ihyr9X [https://youtu.be/dBtj8-ITb8M?si=JlsQMZI5Y3ihyr9X] * What causes PHOTOPHOBIA (light sensitivity) and how to fix it https://youtu.be/ikQUUoyyZIY?si=NDUnBco69meOhWQ9 [https://youtu.be/ikQUUoyyZIY?si=NDUnBco69meOhWQ9] 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Doctor Eye Health podcast! Coming soon: Vision Issues After Concussion 👀🧠 ABOUT DR. JACQUELINE THEIS Dr. Jacqueline Theis is a neuro-optometrist specializing in concussion rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury vision therapy, and neurological vision disorders. She completed her optometry training and neuro-optometric residency at University of California, Berkeley and has spent over a decade working alongside leading brain injury physicians, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists helping patients recover from concussion-related vision dysfunction and neurological symptoms. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-theis-od-faao/ RESOURCES & LINKS * Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] * YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth] * Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth [https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth] * TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth [https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth] * Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth] * LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or 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. concussion recovery, concussion symptoms, traumatic brain injury, vision problems after concussion, concussion rehabilitation, post traumatic amnesia, neuro optometry, brain injury recovery, concussion treatment, snowboarding concussion, head injury recovery, vision therapy, traumatic brain injury recovery, concussion podcast, Dr Joseph Allen, Dr Jacqueline Theis, neuro optometrist, eye health podcast, brain injury rehabilitation, concussion vision problems

Eye Surgery Recovery Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Results (LASIK, PRK, ICL & Cataract Surgery Tips)

Thinking about LASIK, PRK, ICL, or cataract surgery? The biggest risk to your vision isn’t the procedure, it’s what you do after. Learn the most common eye surgery recovery mistakes, how to prevent dry eye after surgery, and the exact steps to protect your vision and healing for the best possible outcome. Eye surgery recovery can make or break your results. Whether you’re preparing for LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, or cataract surgery, knowing what to avoid is just as important as the procedure itself. On the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen shares the most common mistakes patients make after eye surgery and how to optimize healing for better vision outcomes. From skipping post-operative eye drops to ignoring dry eye symptoms, missing follow-up appointments, and even rubbing your eyes too soon, these small mistakes can lead to complications, discomfort, and long-term vision issues. You’ll also learn practical, research-backed tips to support your recovery, reduce inflammation, and protect your eyes after surgery so you can heal faster and see clearly. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ✅ The biggest mistakes people make after LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery ✅ How to prevent dry eye after eye surgery ✅ Why post-operative eye drops are critical for healing ✅ The best habits to protect your vision and avoid complications Get the references for this episode: https://doctoreyehealth.com/eye-surgery-references [https://doctoreyehealth.com/eye-surgery-references] TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Eye surgery recovery mistakes that affect vision outcomes 01:56 Why skipping post-op eye drops can cause complications 03:29 How to prevent dry eye after LASIK or cataract surgery 05:52 Why follow-up appointments are critical after eye surgery 07:48 Risks of rubbing your eyes after surgery 10:25 Eyelid hygiene and reducing dry eye symptoms post-surgery 12:14 Activity restrictions after eye surgery (swimming, lifting, flying) 14:05 Why sunglasses and UV protection speed healing 15:31 Sleep and recovery for optimal eye healing 17:01 Managing expectations after LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery KEY TAKEAWAYS 🔹 Skipping prescribed eye drops can lead to inflammation and serious complications 🔹 Dry eye after surgery is common and requires consistent use of artificial tears 🔹 Follow-up appointments help detect issues you may not feel or see 🔹 Protecting your eyes from rubbing, bacteria, and UV exposure is critical for healing Want to go deeper into eye surgery prep, dry eye treatment, and recovery? Explore these related episodes from the Dr. Eye Health Podcast hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen: CRAZY Eye Side Effects! 10 Common Medications you didn't know affects your eyes: https://youtu.be/oXkvSUlwfss?si=6nc20_cya6hqIFMH [https://youtu.be/oXkvSUlwfss?si=6nc20_cya6hqIFMH] 7 PROVEN Treatments for Dry Eyes After LASIK Eye Surgery https://www.youtube.com/live/5dAzMEXJZks?si=1vRsLBDlm1uUihYG [https://www.youtube.com/live/5dAzMEXJZks?si=1vRsLBDlm1uUihYG] 5 WORST Eye Surgery Mistakes! https://youtu.be/r9pOl15NQ0E?si=dQJSy8UP9VN2-swG [https://youtu.be/r9pOl15NQ0E?si=dQJSy8UP9VN2-swG] RESOURCES & LINKS * Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] * YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth] * Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth [https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth] * TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth [https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth] * Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth] * LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or 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. GUEST BIO Dr. Joseph Allen is a practicing optometrist and the creator of Dr. Eye Health, a leading platform focused on eye care education, vision health, and helping patients make informed decisions about procedures like LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery.

Optimizing Eye Health Before LASIK, PRK & Cataract Surgery

Preparing for eye surgery isn’t just about the procedure, it’s about optimizing your eye health, tear film, and recovery before you ever step into the clinic. Whether you're considering LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, or ICL, the steps you take before surgery can directly impact your results, healing time, and risk of dry eye complications. On the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen breaks down the exact pre-surgery protocol he personally followed before his own ICL procedure. From eyelid hygiene and tear film optimization to supplements and lifestyle habits, this episode gives you a complete, research-backed guide to preparing your eyes for surgery. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ✅ How to prepare your eyes before LASIK, PRK, cataract, or ICL surgery ✅ Why eyelid hygiene and warm compresses improve surgical outcomes ✅ How to optimize your tear film and reduce dry eye risk ✅ The best supplements and habits to support healing and recovery Check out the eye surgery references here -https://doctoreyehealth.com/eye-surgery-references [https://doctoreyehealth.com/eye-surgery-references] TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Eye surgery preparation overview and why it matters 02:15 Eyelid hygiene routine before eye surgery 04:03 Warm compress benefits for dry eye and gland health 05:26 How tear film affects surgical accuracy and healing 06:21 When to stop wearing contact lenses before surgery 07:12 Best artificial tears and how often to use them 09:55 Prescription treatments for dry eye before surgery 12:14 Supplements that support eye health and recovery 15:36 Sleep, nutrition, and healing optimization tips 16:48 Final thoughts and post-surgery prep preview KEY TAKEAWAYS 🔹 Preparing your eyes before surgery can improve accuracy, healing, and outcomes 🔹 Eyelid hygiene and warm compresses support gland function and tear stability 🔹 Dry eye treatment before surgery is critical, even if symptoms are mild 🔹 Lifestyle habits like sleep, hydration, and nutrition directly impact recovery RELATED EPISODES & RESOURCES Want to go deeper into eye surgery prep, dry eye treatment, and recovery? Explore these related episodes from the Dr. Eye Health Podcast hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen: Having Eye Surgery? Do This First https://youtu.be/h5Hej-IL_0Q?si=D-kXRrcKcdTlMIat [https://youtu.be/h5Hej-IL_0Q?si=D-kXRrcKcdTlMIat] Does LASIK Eye Surgery Wear Off With Time? https://youtu.be/m1toi6ZjsLI?si=o1jaT8MPBDwqxeKw [https://youtu.be/m1toi6ZjsLI?si=o1jaT8MPBDwqxeKw] LASIK Eye Surgery: The Good the Bad and the Ugly, https://www.youtube.com/live/nFB89TCUfik?si=-IeyIFl0UD2k1iWj [https://www.youtube.com/live/nFB89TCUfik?si=-IeyIFl0UD2k1iWj] Should You Get SMILE, LASIK, or PRK Eye Surgery? https://youtu.be/acowAvor738?si=WAXq4ntXhBlQZQnP [https://youtu.be/acowAvor738?si=WAXq4ntXhBlQZQnP] GUEST BIO Dr. Joseph Allen is a Doctor of Optometry and founder of the Dr. Eye Health Podcast. He specializes in eye health education, dry eye management, and vision care, helping patients better understand how to protect and optimize their vision through research-backed strategies. RESOURCES & LINKS * Website: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/ [https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/] * YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealth] * Instagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth [https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth] * TikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth [https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealth] * Facebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth [https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealth] * LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or 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. eye surgery preparation, LASIK preparation, PRK surgery tips, cataract surgery prep, ICL surgery recovery, dry eye treatment before surgery, tear film optimization, eyelid hygiene, omega 3 eye health, eye health podcast