Hello Tarin
Thank you for reaching out on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear about your stroke and the difficulties you are having with your vision. It is great that you have reached out and I am sure there will be many others within the community who will have experienced similar issues.
Vision changes are common after stroke. Approximately one third of stroke survivors will experience vision loss. 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. You may find more information on vision loss after stroke on our website and factsheet here.
It can be challenging to manage any vision changes after stroke. 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.
Your GP or 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 GP about obtaining an OT, or visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find a therapist close to you here.
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 or neuro ophthalmologist, who has made a diagnosis and can advise on therapy that will be safe and effective.
You might like to read some of the resources below for more information on vision changes after stroke.
Research has not yet shown whether vision restorative treatments can improve eyesight. Visual scanning techniques are useful when taught by an Occupational therapist or Physiotherapist (who can help you develop visual scanning techniques whilst walking).
There are these visual scanning programs online- check with therapists first before using
- Read Right We cannot specifically recommend this, however it is free and funded by the Stroke Association UK so might be worthwhile having a look at this It does states it won't improve your visual fields (field or degrees of vision) but may improve your function (speed and ease of seeing/locating items in your field). Something you could discuss further with your eye specialists or rehab team.
- Eye Search Again we could not specifically recommend this, but it might be worth considering and importantly, discussing with your eye specialist for their guidance.
An Occupational therapist (OT) can also be helpful in developing strategies such as scanning techniques which can help you getting out and about in the community. You can access up to 5 Medicare rebated allied health sessions over a 12-month period, by obtaining a chronic disease management treatment plan through your GP.
If you are in receipt of the NDIS, you might also like to look into the following services:
Vision Australia is a good resource. They can help with strategies, support and aids to compensate for any vision loss.
Vision Australia also offer “Check in and Chat”, an invaluable telehealth program designed to provide emotional support to people adjusting to vision loss
- Call the team on 1300 74 84 66
Guide Dogs Australia
Guide Dogs Australia is a great resource for vision information and support nation-wide. Each state has their own website and provide a neuro mobility service.
We hope this is of some help to you Tarin. Please don't hesitate to contact us at StrokeLine (Ph. 1800 787 653 or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au) if you would like to discuss things further. We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
Best wishes,
StrokeLine
