What can I do to get help or improve my eyesight that was affected from a minor stroke in may 2016? Are there exercises for the eyes to help neuroplasticity to occur?

Hi Bill,

Thank you for your post. Unfortunately there is limited evidence for therapy aimed at improving vision loss following stroke. Here is a link to the stroke clinical guidelines if you would like read further: https://informme.org.au/en/Guidelines/Clinical-Guidelines-for-Stroke-Management-2010/Chapter-6-Rehabilitation/6-2-Sensorimotor-impairment.

As you will note, there is evidence that computer-based visual training can be used however it is classed as Level C evidence which means some care needs to be taken with its application.

It would be worthwhile having a vision assessment by an Opthalmologist if you haven’t already. They are specialist doctors who assess the eye and visual system. I would suggest asking your GP to make a referral. Following this, you could request your GP refers you to an Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT would provide strategies to enhance your vision.

Your GP can refer you to an OT at your local community rehabilitation center. Alternatively, you can search for a private therapist here: Find an OT. If you choose a private therapist, you can access up to 5 Medicare rebated allied health sessions by obtaining a Chronic Disease Management treatment plan through your GP.

You may also be interested in having a look at the following resources:

• Vision loss after stroke fact sheet

• This website has simple eye and vision retraining exercises: http://www.stroke-rehab.com/eye-exercises.html

• An enableme conversation on vision following stroke: Vision loss as a result of stroke

Please feel free to give us a ring on 1800 787 653 if you’d like more information. My colleague Simone is an OT and works on Mondays-Wednesdays,

Best Wishes,

Lisa (StrokeLine)

Re: exercises for your eyes, it does depend on the problem. But for many people who have trouble seeing and reading on one side (hemianopia), there are a couple of well researched, free online training programs.

The most well known program is "Read Write" by Dr Alex Leff from University College London.

Read Write was presented by Dr Norman Swan on the ABC Radio National "Health Report" in Dec 2013 - link below

www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/hemianopia----a-vision-impairment/5159104. [Audio recording of interview with Dr Alex Leff discussing Read Right therapy and Eye Search therapy programs, Dec 2013, 13 mins].

More details and a demonstration of that computer-based intervention program is available on the following website, Eyesearch, www.eyesearch.ucl.ac.uk - all are designed to improve visual searching in people with hemianopia or spatial neglect.