Transforming Concussion Care with Infrared Eye-Tracking and Teleophthalmology

Many clinicians may miss subtle oculomotor deficits that follow concussion, yet new remote retinal imaging systems and infrared eye-tracking innovations are poised to transform both diagnosis and the integration of comprehensive vision screening into primary care.

According to the CDC, an estimated 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually in the U.S., and up to 69% of patients report persistent visual disturbances that evade standard neurological examinations. Many survivors experience impaired saccadic movements and binocular alignment issues, symptoms that are often dismissed as non-specific headaches or vestibular dysfunction in both neurology and sports medicine practices.

Emerging data in the Journal of Sport and Health Science underscore that concussion management guidelines — including the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport and the American Academy of Neurology’s recommendations for Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) — highlight the need for objective ocular motor assessments, and infrared eye-tracking can complement these protocols by providing quantifiable metrics.

The research on eye-tracking metrics demonstrates how infrared-based systems quantify saccadic velocity, reaction time, and vergence accuracy with high precision, offering objective markers for concussion-related vision disorder. Portable eye-tracking devices can now be deployed at the point of care, enabling neurology and sports medicine clinicians to detect discrete oculomotor deficits that standard protocols miss. This aligns with data previously discussed showing improved diagnostic accuracy and more personalized rehabilitation plans when infrared eye tracking is integrated into post-concussion evaluations.

Beyond specialized concussion clinics, primary care settings are rapidly adopting teleophthalmology-based retinal imaging to enhance ocular disease screening, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines for diabetic retinopathy screening.

Effective implementation hinges on robust care coordination. Primary care providers must collaborate closely with ophthalmologists and optometrists to interpret imaging findings, manage follow-up, and incorporate eye health into comprehensive chronic disease management. This integrated model has shown to improve patient adherence to screening recommendations and facilitate timely interventions that preserve vision.

In one illustrative case, a college athlete with unresolved visual discomfort and normal neuroimaging underwent infrared eye-tracking assessment that uncovered subtle binocular misalignment. This objective finding prompted referral to a vision specialist, where targeted vestibular-ocular therapy led to rapid symptom resolution and a safe return to play. Such scenarios highlight how combining advanced diagnostic tools with coordinated care pathways can shorten time to diagnosis and enhance functional recovery.

Wider adoption of these technologies will require ongoing education for clinicians, development of clear referral algorithms, and adjustment of reimbursement models to recognize the value of vision diagnostics in primary care. As eye-tracking protocols become standard in neurology clinics and tele-retinal imaging establishes itself in community practices, patients stand to benefit from earlier detection, tailored treatment, and integrated care that bridges specialty silos.

Key Takeaways:

• Eye-tracking technology is transforming the diagnosis and management of concussion-related vision disorders.
• Integrated care models significantly increase retinal disease screening rates, improving patient outcomes.
• Further training and awareness are necessary to maximize the benefits of these technologies in primary care settings.