Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions are significant health issues that we are only beginning to fully understand. The brain is a remarkable, three-pound organ that controls every function of your body. When it sustains an injury, its top priority is to dedicate as much energy as possible to healing itself.

Concussion symptoms—such as headaches, double vision, or profound exhaustion—are often the brain's way of telling us it's overworked and needs to rest. To conserve energy for recovery, it may temporarily shut down systems it deems non-essential. The challenge then becomes: what can we do to remain functional while our brain is working so hard to recover?

This is where tinted eyewear and other low vision solutions come in.

Filtering the Visual Load

A staggering two-thirds of the information your brain receives comes through your eyes. After a concussion, this massive influx of visual input can be overwhelming for a brain trying to heal. By wearing a pair of tinted lenses, you are essentially placing a filter over this information stream.

If the color of that filter is something your brain responds positively to, it can meaningfully reduce the visual input and free up energy that can be redirected toward the healing process. At Chadwick, we’ve found that certain colors have been anecdotally useful for many patients with these types of injuries:

• FL-41: Often used for light sensitivity and migraines.
• Plum: Can help soften the harshness of indoor lighting.
• Blue Tints: Useful for calming the visual system and reducing overstimulation.

Finding the Right Solution for You

It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to TBI recovery. Your brain and your injury are unique. The key is to find what works best for you. Tinted eyewear offers a practical and low-burden solution that can help you stay engaged in your daily life.

Unlike more drastic measures like staying in a dark room, wearing a pair of glasses can allow you to continue working, going to school, or simply being with your family—all while providing your brain with the support it needs to recover. It’s about changing the data input so your "biological computer" doesn't crash while it's trying to reboot.

Ready to find the right tint for your recovery?

• Shop Low Vision Tints and Filters
• Shop TBI and Concussion Tinted Eyewear

Have a question about how light sensitivity affects brain injury recovery?

Send it to our "Ask Chadwick" video series here.