Abstract :
Background: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can significantly impact vision and visual pathways, leading to visual symptoms and ocular motor dysfunction in post-concussion individuals due to neurophysiological changes.Aim and Objectives: The study assesses knowledge about visual consequences of head traumas, evaluates injury severity's impact on vision health, and compares vision health scores and composite VFQ-25 scores.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on patients with head injury seeking care near Chennai, India, over nine months. 200 participants were chosen using specific criteria, with medical professionals gathering data on their knowledge post-admission. A NEI – VFQ 25 questionnaire was administered one month after hospital discharge.Results: The mean score of knowledge among the participants regarding the awareness of vision consequences post head injury was found to be of average, 9.49 (max score: 18). The highest mean score was secured by health care professionals (14.74), followed by the participants with postgraduate level education status (14.61). Age significantly influenced VRQoL, with severe head injury severity resulting in a mean score of nearly half that of mild participants in all components. The mean total score of NEI VFQ-25 is as follows, Mild injury – 74.94 ±13.57; Moderate injury – 66.40 ±16.93; Severe injury – 31.69 ±15.79.Conclusion: The research shows a lack of public awareness about vision-related issues after head injuries, with age significantly affecting quality of life. The severity of the injury significantly impacts VRQoL, necessitating regular ophthalmic assessments in post-injury care plans and patient follow-up consultations.
Keyword :
NEI VFQ-25, Vision problems post TBI, Head injury, VRQOL, Vision knowledge.