Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) impact an estimated 2.8 million people every year. Populations at higher risk include children, older adults, and veterans. Visual impairments are a frequent symptom following a TBI and can include impaired saccades, convergence, tracking, and accommodation. This can impact functions such as activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as dressing, eating, reading, writing, school and work activities.

AIM: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed at determining the effectiveness of vision-based interventions on desired client outcomes for clients who have sustained a TBI.

MEHTODS: Literature search analysis led to inclusion of Level 2B and 3B studies regarding the prioritized aim. Studies were further analyzed to include literature within the last ten years which met the following outline criteria: people with a TBI participated in vision interventions to improve client identified desired outcomes. Seven total studies were included which met the established standards.

RESULTS: Levels 2B and 3B research completed on vision interventions for people with TBIs showed significant decreases in vision-related symptoms and moderate improvements in vergence, accommodation, visual attention, and tracking. These lead to moderate improvements in reported desired occupational performance such as reading, ADLs, and work-related activities.