Vision is the process of deriving meaning from what is seen. It is a complex, learned and developed set of functions that involve many skills & abilities. Research estimates that 80%-85% of our perception, learning, cognition and activities are mediated through vision. The association between vision impairment and disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) has been well established and widely recognized.

As increased age relates to increased incidence of stroke, many people who suffer from stroke may also have pre-existing age-related visual deficits. Following a stroke, a patient may suffer from additional visual deficits in addition to any age-linked unfavourable conditions previously that may have been pre-existing. The visual changes associated with stroke can be categorized as sensory (visual acuity and visual field), motor (extra ocular muscle motility), and perceptual.

For instance, hemianopia, or loss of visual field on one side, is a result of a stroke and is detected after 36% of right brain strokes and 25% of the left brain strokes. Following a stroke, changes in the visual field can include absolute versus relative loss or constriction. With a lesion in the brain disrupting the visual pathways, a person’s ability to take the entire visual field may be interrupted. Deficits in the quantity of what our eyes can perceive are referred to as deficits in our visual field.

The Testing of a possible vision deficit includes knowing where straight ahead is, knowing where things really are located, reduction & frequently correction of double vision and the ability to have a person’s eyes land on the right spot when reading or looking around the environment. This contributes to balancing problems. If you or a loved one has had a stroke or head injury, you need this type of evaluation and treatment to improve recovery and perhaps even drive again.

Do you or a person you know suffer from any of the following symptoms?

* Double vision
* Headaches
* Blurry vision
* Dizziness or nausea
* Attention or concentration difficulties
* Staring behaviour (low blink rate)
* Spatial disorientation
* Lose place when reading
* Can’t find beginning of next line when reading
* Comprehension problems when reading
* Visual memory problems
* Pulling away from objects when they are brought close
* Disturbance of behavioural or emotional functioning
* Partial or total functional disability
* Physiological maladjustment
* Visual dysfunction

Vision impairment is one of the most commonly overlooked and under-treated conditions of the elderly and those who have had traumatic brain injury or stroke. However, vision rehabilitation after a stroke is worthwhile and often necessary for a stroke or brain injury survivor to enjoy a normal life. Neuroaid gives a good add-on treatment to enhance the rehabilitation. In a recent case study of 10 patients post-stroke under Neuroaid, published on European Neurology, significant improvements were recorded in visual.

On the other hand, vision therapy can be a very practical and effective. After evaluation, examination and consultation, the doctor determines how one person processes information after a stroke, and where that person‘s strengths and weaknesses lie. Then he or she prescribes you a treatment regimen incorporating lenses, prisms, low vision aides and specific activities designed to improve control of your visual system and increase vision efficiency. An interesting video can give you an idea on how it works: view YouTube Video.

For hemianopia, on average Vision Restoration Therapy can help recover a 5 degree border shift (or 12% improvement in stimuli accuracy) in the central visual field. This 5 degree border shift can make a significant impact in the daily lives of patients: Indeed, seeing more is better!

Sources:
helpforvisionloss.com
Stroke Rehabilitation Journal
Youtube