Did you know that you’re at a higher risk for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or concussion if you’re male, play sports or drive a car? For Coloradans the highest risk occurs in age groups 15-24 years and 65+.²

The leading causes of TBIs are:

• Falls (47%)
• Struck by/against (15%)
• Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (14%)
• Assaults (11%)
• Other/Unknown (13%) ³

Colorado emergency rooms see an average of 23,500 visits annually due to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)¹. A concussion is considered to be a mild brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that produces changes in normal brain function following the impact. Typically, concussions are not life-threatening, but their after affects can be serious and impact quality of life, as well as, daily functioning.

If not properly treated Concussions can continue to impact quality of life well beyond the typical rehabilitation period, but there is a simple way to reduce your risk of ever experiencing a concussion.

So what is it? Drum roll please…

Get an annual comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist!

Yes, it’s that simple. Keeping your eyesight in tip top shape will give you the edge in any situation where your TBI risk is elevated. 20/20 vision can reduce falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and more. In addition, an optometrist can identify undiagnosed concussions that may have been overlooked and then create a vision rehabilitation plan for treatment.