How a Stroke Affects Your Vision: Taking the Next Steps
Strokes happen when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, usually due to a clot. Although they can be fatal, many stroke patients survive but need therapy to manage the various long-term effects a stroke can have on their health, including eye health. Around 60% of stroke survivors have visual problems like blurry vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision, and difficulty recognizing objects or people.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (“mini-strokes”)
Before a stroke, some people experience temporary episodes called transient ischemic attacks (TIA), which can cause temporary blindness in one eye. After a suspected TIA, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to prevent a stroke.
Common Visual Problems After a Stroke
Common visual problems after a stroke include blurred vision, double vision, visual field loss, eye movement abnormalities, and difficulty recognizing familiar things. Strokes can impact daily activities like driving and reading, so it’s vital that stroke survivors have a functional visual evaluation.
A stroke can cause a condition called visual midline shift syndrome (VMSS), where the brain compensates for body imbalance by shifting the visual midline. This can affect balance and posture. Yoked prism glasses can help with balance issues caused by VMSS.
Rebuilding Vision After a Stroke
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is all about helping you recover from challenges like double vision, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties. It works by training your brain to adapt and rebuild familiar pathways through a process called neuroplasticity.
When it comes to recovering from a stroke, everyone’s journey is unique. The good news is that identifying and treating visual deficits by a skilled neuro-optometrist can lower the risk of long-term complications. While progress can continue for years, the biggest strides are often made in the first six months. That’s why an interdisciplinary approach is recommended, and including neuro-optometrists in the rehabilitation team is key to the recovery process.
At A-Ha Vision, Dr. Shirley Ha and her incredible staff go above and beyond to provide top-notch vision care and treatment. They’re here for patients from Oakville, Burlington, Halton, Mississauga, and surrounding areas in Ontario. Trust the A-Ha Vision team to be your ally in achieving your vision recovery goals.
Dr. Shirley Ha and the caring and knowledgeable staff at the A-Ha Vision are dedicated to helping patients experience the best vision care and treatment possible.
Our practice serves patients from Oakville, Burlington, Halton, and Mississauga, Ontario and surrounding communities. .
