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Stroke Related Vision Loss

Slide that says Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation - A Vital Part of your overall recovery
Slide that says Patients who can benefit from a neuro-optometric assessment include those of any age with a history of traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, and other conditions
Slide that says Vision problems are often overlooked during initial treatment of a brain injury and/or symptoms may not present until sometime afterwards. Left untreated they can have serious consequences
slide that says Following a TBI there is often an interruption in communication between the eyes and the brain.
Slide that says There are a number of visual disorders that can occur following a stroke. A Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist can help diagnose and target treatments to help stroke survivors.

Nevada Center for Vision Loss After Stroke and Brain Injuries

Vision loss after a stroke is very common,with up to 60% of stroke patients reporting vision loss. The type of vision loss experienced differs from patient to patient, however no matter the specific type of vision loss, the effects on of losing vision is devastating.

In many situations, your eye doctor or opthamologist may not be aware of the visual aides that can assist you in living your life with as much freedom as possible. It is not uncommon for us to hear “My doctor told me there was nothing that can be done.” Most eye doctors who are not specialized in dealing with vision loss from strokes and brain injuries give over the best information they know about the medical situation, however that is really only half the picture. A low vision optometrist, has the ability to direct you to a variety of products such as Side Vision Awareness Glasses, software for computers, and full spectrum lighting that can drastically improve your ability to do the things you love. In fact our patients are often very surprised to find out that we have a special driving school just for patients with severe vision loss!

For over a decade, Dr. YESnick and Sandy YESnick have been Las Vegas’ only vision team to recover patient’s visual functioning after a stroke. We overcome vision problems that apply to safe walking, reading again, use of computer and even driving, safely and legally. Call us today at 702-906-2587, to begin your vision recovery and retain your independence.

Understanding Post Stroke Vision

During a stroke, parts of brain will lose their supply of oxygen and nutrients. Sometimes this leads the tissue becoming injured, sometimes partially dead, and other times non viable. Depending on the damage there may be certain aspects of vision that can be slightly improved.

Vision loss from strokes is segmented into two categories, double vision and loss of visual function or low vision.

Vision Loss After a Stroke

The exact type of vision loss after a stroke will depend on what areas are affected and what the size of the visual loss is.

  • Hemianopia is the loss of half the visual field, this is usually on the same side of each eye called homonymous hemianopia.

  • Quadrantanopia, quadrantanopsia, or quadrant anopia is vision loss that affects one quarter of the visual field. Homonymous Quadrantanopia affects the same quarter in each eye. Another cause for Quadrantanopia is a lesion on the temporal nerve.

  • Scotoma is vision loss that affects a relatively small portion of the visual field.

  • Bitemporal Hemianopia is vision loss that affects the outer regions of your visual field, or your peripheral/side vision. Another term for bitemporal hemianopia is tunnel vision.

Perceptual Vision Issues After a Stroke

Another common type of visual impairment that results from a stroke are perceptual problems.

  • Double vision is caused by damage to the nerve that ensures that the eyes are aligned.
  • Visual midline shift syndrome is a condition where the patient lacks the ability to allign “Center” correctly. This can cause serious problems with balance, walking, reading and even the ability to maintain posture.

There are many other symptoms that can occur following a stroke such as blurred vision, dizziness, ignoring certain parts of your vision, and the inability to recognize regular objects.

Learn about using insurance for low vision related treatments.

Schedule An Appointment Online

Call 702-906-2587

Hemianopia from stroke nevada

What is Hemianopia?

Around 1 out of every 10 stroke patients have homonymous hemianopia, a condition where half of the visual field, or the full range of central and side vision, is lost. Normally this occurs in both eyes.

Homonymous hemianopsia can be congenital, but is usually caused by brain injury such as from stroke, trauma,tumors, infection, or following surgery. If the cause of Hemianopia is a stroke, a stroke on the right side will affect the left field of vision, while a left side stroke will affect the right visual field.

People with Hemianopia often find that mobility is their biggest challenge. Previously shopping or going to visit family and friends was not a challenge, now the loss of full visual function causes stress and fear of bumping into things or falling down.

Coping With Vision Loss From Strokes and Brain Injuries

AMD 1While some of the symptoms of vision loss from a stroke or brain injury may be improved with time and or neuro optometric therapy, most patients will require additional aides to help them achieve their maximum vision. Low vision is the overarching condition of a patient for whom their vision cannot be improved with regular glasses and contact lenses. Our low vision center in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the largest private low vision clinic in the state, we specialize in matching the patient with the right aides to help them regain their independence. Generally our patients will discuss what areas of their day to day life they wish to improve upon, and then we will show them the different tools and technologies that may help them. Commonly our eye doctor, Dr. David Yesnick will recommend custom made magnified glasses with special prisms called Side Vision Awareness Glasses. In many cases the patient will also be helped with improved lighting, and training on how to do various day to day activities such as eating, cooking, and using the computer.

Side Vision Awareness Glasses In Las Vegas

SVAG glasses

Side Vision Awareness Glasses or SVAG were developed by a leading authority on low vision and neuro optometric rehabilition, Dr. Errol Rummel. These glasses provide a significant improvement in mobility and peripheral vision, especially when combined with the proper training. Furthermore the Side Vision Awareness Glasses are barely noticeable, have a wide field of vision, and may be able to help patients with hemianopsia to drive again. Dr. Yesnick and our low vision team will be happy to show you how these custom made glasses can help you regain your independence.

Schedule An Appointment Online

Call 702-906-2587

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