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Vision and eyesight
Some ways in which stroke affects vision
Some people find that they cannot see things on their right side, or on their left side.
This is called hemianopia. It is caused by damage to your brain.
Hemianopia can make you:
- bump into things
- leave part of your food
- ignore people or objects.
When you are reading, you might miss things written on one side of the page, or the ends of words.
Excercises can help you compensate for the hemianopia.
As time passes, you may find you get used to it and find it easier to deal with.
Some people experience double vision. This is called diplopia.
An opthalmologist may suggest you wear an eye patch, or alter the lenses of your glasses.
Sometimes, people find they can see well - but they can't recognise objects or faces, even those of close family and friends.
Can glasses help?
Getting new glasses early after the stroke may not help.
This is because damage has taken place inside your brain.
Glasses cannot help your brain.
It's a good idea to wait for a while before having your eyes re-tested, because:
- you may find that, as you recover, your vision gradually improves
- you may get used to the changes in your vision.
After a while, if things have not changed or improved, then think about seeing an opthalmologist.
If you are having difficulties with vision after your stroke, an opthalmologist will give you advice and information.
Make sure the opthalmologist and the optician know that you have aphasia.
Further information
Hospital opthalmologist
- Can assess changes in your vision and give you advice
Occupational therapist
Physiotherapist
Speech and language therapist
- Can suggest ways you can cope with the changes in your vision
- Can give you exercises to help you compensate for the changes in your vision
Optician
- Can test your eyesight and give you appropriate glasses
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