Visual Dysfunction in Combat-related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury—A Review

Abstract

Approximately half of all military personnel who have served in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are reported to have some degree of combat-related mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although in civilian concussion injuries symptoms typically resolve within several weeks, blast-induced mild TBI may be accompanied by prolonged symptoms and afferent and efferent visual dysfunction. Most commonly near vision problems and photophobia are the presenting symptoms. A complete eye exam including vision testing, oculomotor function, and near tasking, is highly recommended after blast-induced mild TBI to detect and improve symptoms in this young patient population. A review of the current literature is presented.