When I had a stroke 2 years ago I experience a loss of left side peripheral vision. Though I can now see objects passing between a bright. Light source eg a window, car headlights etc I cannot determine what the object is passing. I have tried on advise of optometrist flashing lights in the left side there doesn't seem to be a great improvement. Does anyone know other exercises I could do?
Hi Lancashire lad, I'm an optometrist with a probably lesser loss of peripheral vision than yourself, read the blog on homonymous hemianopia above, a great explanation given unfortunately the crappie news is no recovery or exercises will help, the only coping strategy is to scan frequently to the left by looking or head turning, both will work, it becomes a habit pretty soon, seeing bright light sources great, it means the brain damage to that area may not be complete , flashing bright lights on the left as an exercise will not help, however if you ever see flashes of light accompanied by black floaters, in one eye only, you need a dilated retinal exam at the optometrist to exclude a retinal problem, as everyone would
Hi everyone,
Thank you Csilk for joining the conversation and for your great suggestions.
Lancashire Lad, sorry to hear about your stroke. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence on therapy for vision impairment after stroke.
We have previously posted questions about vision on our Facebook page in the past. These were some of the tried and tested suggestions by other stroke survivors – some of these may be relevant for you. Both Lumosity and BrainHQ have been really helpful, especially BrainHQ. Both have exercises that specifically work to improve visual perception:
http://www.lumosity.com/ - Lumosity
http://www.brainhq.com/ - Brain HQ
http://www.eyecanlearn.com (a site with training games – free to use)
http://www.stroke-rehab.com/eye-exercises.html - a site with suggestions for simple eye exercises
Have you had a look at our fact sheet on vision after stroke? https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/help-after-stroke/stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/vision-loss-after-stroke-fact-sheet
It would also be worth requesting a referral to an OT for visual retraining. If you choose to see a private OT, you can access up to 5 Medicare rebated sessions by obtaining a chronic disease management treatment plan through your GP. You can find one here or see an OT within your local community rehabilitation service.
Please feel free to contact us at StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST) if you have any other questions.
Best Wishes
Lisa (StrokeLine)
Hi Lancashire Lad
Good on you for asking the question and wanting to continue to look at what might be able to help with your vision.
Lots of information there for you to look into, we'd love to know if anything you find here helps!
Enjoy your day.
Sue
Hi
Here is a blog written by Adrian about homonymous hemianopia this may be what Csilk was referring to.
D
Hi Di
I just read Adrian's blog about homonymous hemionopia- that's really informative about what Adrian is able to see, how he manages this and the frustrations which have gone with it. The daily life adaptions which are made to allow for experience in living for him. Hard work.
Sue