A stroke is a frightening experience, and the impact can extend far beyond initial symptoms. Vision problems are a common side effect, affecting a large majority of stroke survivors. These vision issues can be frustrating and debilitating, but the good news is that there’s hope. Neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation can play a crucial role in helping stroke survivors regain lost visual abilities and improve their quality of life.
Common Vision Problems After a Stroke
Strokes occur when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This can damage areas responsible for processing visual information, leading to a variety of vision problems. Some of the most common can include:
- Visual field loss – This means you have difficulty seeing in certain areas of your vision, often on one side of both eyes.
- Double vision (diplopia) – Seeing two images of a single object can be disorienting and make daily tasks challenging.
- Eye movement problems – Strokes can affect the nerves or muscles that control eye movement, making it difficult to track objects or focus on near and far distances.
- Visual neglect – This is when you become unaware of things on one side of your body or environment.
- Visual processing problems – Difficulty recognizing objects, colors, or judging depth perception can significantly impact daily activities.
Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation Following a Stroke
At Family Vision Development Center, our neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating vision problems resulting from neurological conditions, including strokes. We employ a range of therapies and interventions to help patients regain visual function and improve their quality of life. Our thorough evaluations include detailed tests to assess visual acuity, eye alignment, visual fields, and eye movements in order to identify the specific nature and extent of the vision problems.
Benefits of Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation
After our initial evaluation, we will develop a personalized vision therapy program to target the specific visual deficiencies that need to be restored. These highly-effective programs can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Improved Visual Function: Enhancements in visual acuity, field of vision, and eye coordination.
- Increased Independence: Better vision can enable patients to perform daily activities more independently, such as reading, driving, and navigating their environment.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced frustration and increased confidence in managing everyday tasks and social interactions.
- Prevention of Secondary Complications: Addressing vision problems early can prevent falls, accidents, and other complications related to impaired vision.
Recovery from stroke-related vision problems can be a gradual process. Our neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation specialists provide ongoing support, adjusting treatment plans as needed and ensuring that our patients continue to make progress. Regular follow-up appointments help in monitoring improvements and addressing any new challenges that may arise. If you or a loved one has experienced vision problems following a stroke, don’t despair. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss your specific needs and explore vision rehabilitation options. With the right approach, you can regain lost visual abilities and improve your independence and quality of life.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.