August 13, 2024

4 Ways a Stroke Can Impact Vision

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world experience a stroke. Of the survivors, around 65% will have stroke-related visual symptoms that can make daily living a struggle. The good news is that…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Woman holding the side of her headEvery year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world experience a stroke. Of the survivors, around 65% will have stroke-related visual symptoms that can make daily living a struggle.

The good news is that many of these visual symptoms are treatable. At Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance, we help stroke survivors regain healthy visual functioning and minimize uncomfortable symptoms using neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

What?s a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a portion of the brain is suddenly deprived of blood, either due to a burst blood vessel or a blocked artery. When brain tissue is starved of oxygen and nutrients, its cells eventually die, impairing brain function in that area. If a stroke occurs in the brain?s visual center, it can negatively impact vision and eye functioning in the following ways.

Eye Movement Abnormalities

A stroke can cause a lack of blood supply and damage the nerves in the head. Damage to the eye?s nerves can make it difficult, sometimes impossible, to control eye movements.

A stroke survivor may find it challenging to shift their gaze from one object to another, or the eyes may move back and forth rapidly (a condition called nystagmus).

Blurred, Double or Distorted Vision

Because eye movements may be erratic following a stroke, the two eyes can struggle to work as a team. This often leads to a condition called diplopia, otherwise known as double vision.

Nerve damage from a stroke can also cause blurred or distorted vision.

Extreme Sensitivity to Light

Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common side effect of strokes and ministrokes. It affects up to 30% of stroke survivors. Post-stroke headaches are often a precursor for experiencing photophobia.

Visual Processing Problems

Even if the eyes themselves are healthy, the brain?s ability to process visual information sent from the eyes may be damaged.

Visual neglect and agnosia are examples of visual processing disorders that cause the person to not perceive what’s in their visual field. When someone with visual neglect draws a clock, they may include numbers on only one side of the clock.

Visual neglect is a very common post-stroke condition that affects up to 80% of right-sided stroke survivors.

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy in Victoria

The process of regaining visual skills after a stroke can be achieved through neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

This specialized form of visual rehabilitation therapy aims to maximize healthy visual functioning and help patients achieve their goals.

The therapy consists of personalized eye exercises that retrain the brain and eyes to work as a well-functioning team. Prisms may also be used to correct certain visual impairments and symptoms.

After a successful round of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy, a stroke survivor may experience relief from debilitating visual symptoms and is often able to resume daily activities independently.

At Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance, we understand how stroke-related vision problems can be life-altering, and we?re here to help. We’ll develop an individualized treatment plan and follow the patient closely to monitor any improvements or changes.

If you or a loved one has survived a stroke, call Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria to schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions with Scott Irvine, O.D.

Q: What other conditions can neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy treat?

A: Neuro-optometry is a specific form of eye care created to treat visual dysfunction associated with neurological problems. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is suitable for patients who?ve sustained any type of traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion or whiplash. Typical conditions treated by neuro-optometrists include binocular vision dysfunction, accommodative dysfunctions, convergence insufficiency, nystagmus, photophobia, eye muscle movement problems, spatial disorientation and cranial nerve palsy, among others.

Q: Can visual symptoms signal a stroke?

A: Yes. Loss of vision, especially on one side of the visual field, can signal a stroke. Some patients report seeing a dark shadow either in the upper or lower portion of their visual field. Light sensitivity can also be a symptom of an onsetting stroke. Seek immediate medical care if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms.

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.