Hello Alfred,
Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with your vision.
Vision changes can be common after a stroke. We know that many people will experience vision loss or vision changes. The eye receives information from the outside world and the brain processes that information. When a stroke occurs in the brain, the brain is unable to process that information, resulting in vision changes. If you haven’t already, you can find more information on vision loss after stroke on our website and factsheet here.
We know it can be really challenging to manage vision changes.It can also be difficult to say whether someone’s vision will fully recover following a stroke but usually the changes do not worsen unless you have another medical event.
Our Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management do recommend that stroke survivors should have an:
Your doctor can be helpful in referring for further investigations and assessment with a specialist such as a neuro-ophthalmologist or occupational therapist. A neuro-ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating vision issues linked to neurological conditions such as stroke. It would be recommended to see a neuro-ophthalmologist for further assessment and review of your vision changes.It may also be beneficial to seek an occupational therapist (OT) as they may assist with developing strategies to best manage your vision loss. Speak to your Doctor about obtaining an OT, or if you are in Australia, visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find a therapist close to you here.
Vision Australia is another great service that can help with any kind of vision changes. They can help with strategies, support and aids to compensate for any vision loss or changes.
Guide Dogs Australia is another resource for vision information and support nation-wide. Each state have their own website and provide a neuro mobility service to help with managing vision changes around your home and your community.
Research has not yet shown whether vision exercises can improve vision. Any treatment or exercises for vision after a stroke must be prescribed by a health professional such as an occupational therapist who has made a diagnosis and can advise on therapy that will be safe and effective. However visual scanning techniques are useful when taught by an Occupational therapist or Physiotherapist. They can help you better navigate the world around you with vision changes.
If you are experiencing double vision, you could also consider wearing an eye patch and possibly using prism lenses. You can read more about this in the Vision Loss after stroke Fact Sheet. It is always important to discuss any use of aids, equipment or apps with your treating team.
There are visual scanning programs online- but do check with your therapists or eye specialist before using any apps as they may not be suitable for you: these are also both international sites.
We do have more information that might be helpful, you can find these on the links below:
In regard to protecting your remaining vision, I would make sure that you are aware of your stroke risk factors and are focusing on secondary prevention to reduce the risk of having another stroke. You can find information about stroke risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk of having another one here. We know that about 80% of strokes can be prevented through lifestyle and medication modifications. It is important ton know your won risk factors, or what lead to your stroke, and also adhere to general healthy lifestyle recommendations regarding exercise, diet, your weight, limiting alcohol intake and ceasing smoking.
If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine on Ph 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDT.
Kind regards,
Siobhan (StrokeLine)
Hi Alfred,
You may find this blog from Adrain O'Malley helpful too.
I have the same condition. It is called homonymous hemianopia. I've had it for over 4 years now, with no change in my vision. If you don't get any improvement in the first few months after your stroke, it may be permanent. I can second contacting Vision Australia in your state. They work with low vision patients as well as those classified as blind.
I've written some blog posts about my experiences, including investigating any possible treatments. and some links are below. I'm currently taking part in some PhD research at Monash Uni, investigating the potential for smart glasses to improve vision and help with navigating the world and finding stuff. I'll have another blog when the study gets underway.
Thanks for the great information Colin. :)