 | William L. Park, OD, FAAO is in private practice in Wichita, KS. He works exclusively with patients referred for low vision evaluation, low vision rehabilitation and neurological vision loss. He is a past Director of Low Vision Services, Lions Research & Rehabilitation Center, Wilmer Eye Institute-Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Park can be reached at William L. Park, OD, LLC, www.parklowvision.com, 610 N. Main, Suite 201, Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 440-1690 or drpark@parklowvision.com. |
Vision
2011-11-17 15:16:27
Vision impairment after a stroke
A: Your husband is not alone. Statistically he is quite fortunate. Each year, 750,000 people suffer a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and 150,000 die as a result. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death.
Your husband should consult his primary care physician concerning his pre-stroke lifestyle, such as hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and results of his blood tests, which may indicate a multitude of contributing factors such as hypercholesterolemia, the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
A stroke can result in cognitive, sensory or physical impairments. Because there is a close relationship between vision and the brain, it can disrupt the visual process, interfering with the flow and processing of information. The result is a vision problem along with other issues such as partial paralysis, memory loss, speech problems and potential falls. Following a CVA, a patient may experience symptoms such as loss of visual field, delayed visual processing, vertigo, dizziness, impaired eye movements, double vision, eyestrain and difficulty reading, to name a few.
Hemianopia, the most notable loss of vision, occurs when patients lose vision in one side of their field of vision. Sometimes, patients are totally unaware of this shortfall, bumping into walls, ignoring food on one side of their plate or having difficulty reading.
Due to the major impact of the visual system on cognitive and motor function, the vision rehabilitation needs of a person affected by a traumatic brain injury must be addressed as early as possible. Immediate intervention following a CVA is paramount to recovery of visual function and general well-being. With proper care and rehabilitation, CVA patients have the potential to regain quality of life, return to work and perform daily activities that are necessary for independence.
The road to recovery should include a team of caring and skilled interdisciplinary healthcare providers who specialize in neurological rehabilitation. Many deficits can be improved or resolved through diligent vision rehabilitation or occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy or orientation and mobility training.
In most circumstances, lenses and prisms may result in elimination of double vision. Prism lenses may also assist in compensation of visual field loss. A vision rehabilitation specialist will also address magnification, contrast sensitivity, glare and management of the visual field loss.
Achieving and maintaining independence for persons following a brain injury can be challenging. Many activities of daily living, such as safe travel, eating, speaking and self-care, can seem difficult or impossible. These issues may be resolved with guidance from appropriate healthcare providers. If your family member or loved one is affected by a brain injury, you may be one of the most important people in their life. You can help your husband by sharing your knowledge of how low vision and neurological rehabilitation can help.
