Stroke and Vision: Understanding the Connection

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, damaging brain tissue. Because a significant portion of the brain is involved in processing visual information, strokes frequently affect vision. Understanding these effects helps stroke survivors and their carers know what to expect and what help is available.

The visual problems caused by stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected. Damage to the visual processing areas at the back of the brain can cause loss of half the visual field, a condition called hemianopia. The person loses awareness of everything on one side, which affects both eyes equally. They might miss food on one side of their plate, bump into door frames, or fail to notice people approaching from the affected side.

Some strokes cause double vision by affecting the nerves or brain areas controlling eye movement. When the eyes don't align properly, each eye sends a different image to the brain, resulting in seeing two of everything. This can be disabling and disorienting.

Visual neglect is different from visual field loss. The eyes may be working normally, but the brain fails to attend to information from one side. The person might only read half of each line in a book, or only shave half their face, without being aware they're missing anything.

Problems with visual perception can make it difficult to recognise faces, judge distances, or interpret what's being seen, even when the eyes themselves are healthy.

The good news is that some visual recovery often occurs in the weeks and months following a stroke as the brain heals and adapts. Rehabilitation strategies can help people compensate for remaining difficulties. Scanning techniques teach people to actively look toward their blind side. Prisms in glasses can sometimes shift images into the seeing area.

Regular eye examinations remain important after stroke. Changes to glasses prescriptions might improve usable vision. Identifying and addressing visual problems helps with overall rehabilitation and quality of life.

At Atlantic Home Eyecare, we can examine patients who have had strokes in the comfort of their own homes. If vision has changed following a stroke, we can assess what's happening and advise on options.