Ralph G. DePalma Memorial TBI Clinical Strategies

Impact of Deployment Trauma on Photosensitivity and Visual Function

by Francesca Fortenbaugh, PhD ; Jennifer Gustafson, OD, FAAO
Seminar date: 7/24/2024

Description: Visual complaints, including photosensitivity, are common following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, ongoing debates exist in the literature regarding the nature of chronic visual disturbances that are associated with mTBI and the impact of comorbid clinical conditions. This presentation will review recent work from the TRACTS study at VA Boston examining the impact of military mTBI and common comorbidities seen in the Post-9/11 Veteran population, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, on chronic photosensitivity. We will additionally review work examining the impact of blast-related versus blunt-force mTBI on visual function in a subset of TRACTS participants, which shows evidence for higher rates of chronic convergence insufficiency and myopia in Veterans with a history of blast-related mTBI.
Intended Audience: The target audience for this presentation include researchers and clinicians interested in the impact of military mTBI and common comorbidities on sensory functioning

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