In marking Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is spotlighting the experiences of brain injury survivors, including those with vision loss. BIAA notes that many people with disabilities have their lives defined for them and that public awareness efforts can help to overcome these constraints. Vision issues impact many people with brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can affect vision by damaging sections of the brain that are responsible for visual processing and/or perception, such as the optic nerve tract, cranial nerves, or other “circuitry involved in vision.” Common types of vision problems that can affect those recovering from TBI include blurred or double vision and decreased peripheral vision or, in some cases, depending on the injury, complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. Those experiencing difficulties can receive help from eye doctors who specialize in brain injury-related visual problems, low vision rehabilitation specialists, and occupational therapists. BIAA’s #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign focuses on telling the stories of brain injury survivors to heighten understanding, “reduce stigma, improve care, and showcase the diversity of this community.” The campaign invites survivors, caretakers, professionals, family members, and other advocates to participate on a personal level through storytelling, posts on social media, media outreach, legislative advocacy, and other means. BIAA offers suggestions on how to get involved on their Brain Injury Awareness Month page, which also includes a calendar of events and downloadable collateral material. For more information, visit the BIAA website. More details on Vision Problems and Traumatic Brain Injury are available from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.
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