Citation

Barton JJS, Ranalli P. Surv. Ophthalmol. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.08.001

PMID

32827496

Abstract

A number of treatment approaches have been advocated for visual complaints, particularly for persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These include devices such as binasal occlusion, yoked prisms, vertical prisms, and filters--as well as vestibular training. We discuss the rationale and the evidence for each of these approaches. Binasal occlusion has been advocated for visual motion sensitivity, but it is not clear why this should help, and there is no good evidence for its symptomatic efficacy. Base-in prisms can help manage convergence insufficiency, but there are few data on their efficacy. Midline shift is an unproven concept, and while yoked prisms may have some effect for patients with egocentric neglect, their use in mTBI is more questionable. A wide variety of post-traumatic symptoms have been attributed to vertical heterophoria, but this is an unproven concept, and there are no controlled data on the use of vertical prisms for mTBI symptoms. Filters could plausibly ameliorate light intolerance, but studies are lacking. Better evidence is emerging for the effects of vestibular therapy, with a few randomized controlled trials that include blinded assessments and appropriate statistical analyses. Without more substantial evidence, the use of many of these techniques cannot be recommended and should be regarded as unproven, and in some cases implausible.

Language: en

Keywords

midline shift; photophobia; post-trauma vision syndrome; vertical heterophoria; vestibular