Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke. Of that number, around 600,000 are new strokes. The effects of a stroke can be devastating, and the severity of the stroke will depend on the location and age of the patient. In this blog, we will discuss how a stroke can affect the visual system and the various ways it can impact a patient's daily life.
One of the most common effects of a stroke on the visual system is visual field loss. About 50% of stroke patients experience a visual field defect, which can range from a small loss to a significant loss involving half of the patient's visual field. A visual field loss can affect a patient's mobility, their ability to read, and their coordination and movements. It can also impact their general well-being.
For patients over the age of 65 who have had a stroke, about 50% experience mobility problems. The visual-spatial concerns that can arise after a stroke include difficulty judging space and depth perception, which can affect a patient's ability to know where their body is in space when moving. Our visual system is powerful and affects all these areas.
During a neuro optometric evaluation, our neuro optometrist will look for problems with eye movements, eye coordination, and mobility. If you don’t already have a trusted neuro optometrist, you might begin your search online by entering “neuro optometrist near me” or “neuro optometrist in Santa Clarita” or you can call us at (661) 775-1860 and we will be happy to assist you.
When there is a visual field loss, it can also affect a patient's ability to read and comprehend information. One area that is studied in stroke patients is called visual spatial inattention. This is when the patient may not perceive the space off to one side, usually the left side, and as a result, they may not perceive that they have a left arm or a left side to their face. This can affect their ability to eat and complete daily activities.
Visual spatial inattention is manageable through vision therapy. In our optometry clinic in Santa Clarita, special tests are run to identify patients with this condition. The therapy involves teaching patients to scan into the fields where they are having difficulty. Over time, this can help to break down the visual spatial inattention.
Another area that is looked at during evaluations is binocular coordination, which is how the two eyes work together as a team after a stroke. Often, there are problems with this area, resulting in double vision or the splitting of images. This can be rehabilitated through vision rehabilitation techniques that involve activating the motor system. Our eyes are part of the brain and body, so by moving the body in specific patterns of movement, the visual system can work at a higher level.
Is blurry, fuzzy, or double vision impacting your quality of life and vision? Take our online double vision assessment to help identify if you may have an underlying vision problem that is causing diplopia (double vision) https://amplifyeyecaresantaclarita.com/neuro/double-vision-quiz/
A stroke can have a significant impact on the visual system, affecting mobility, reading, and daily activities. If you or a loved one has had a stroke, it is important to have a comprehensive evaluation by our neuro optometrist. There are various therapies and rehabilitation techniques that can help to improve visual function and quality of life. If you would like more information on how to help your patients or family members who have had a stroke, please feel free to contact our office at (661) 775-1860. Patients with functional vision issues following a head injury or stroke visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of neuro optometric rehabilitation services for patients from Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and San Fernando Valley.
My eight year old daughter was terrified to go to the eye doctor for fear of her eyes being dilated. The doctor was SO KID friendly! He immediately made her comfortable by engaging her in conversation. It was a geat experience.
Dr. Garbus spent an amazing amount of time to solve my very complicated visual problems. Over the years he has continually achieved results beyond what others felt possible. He is always up to date on the latest science. He is great!
Family Vision Care Valencia makes it so easy. Staff is knows what they are doing and Dr. Garbus is thorough and kept me well informed during the exam.
I have been coming to Family Vision Center for almost 20 years. Dr. Garbus has been able to help my vision when other doctors could not. Now my kids see him as well. I highly recommend this office!
The Doctor is very good. I felt on this visit he seemed rushed. I had questions to ask him but he was already with another patient. I still do not know if my eyes are the same , worse, or better.
All the staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and has been for all the years I have been going there.
Are you experiencing severe dryness, corneal ulcers, or irritation in your eyes? Are you looking for an effective treatment that can help you alleviate your pain and heal your cornea properly? If yes, then you might be interested in learning about amniotic membranes in eye care. In this blog post, we will discuss what amniotic […]
According to the American Optometric Association, approximately 80% of what a child learns in school is acquired through vision, and vision problems can significantly impact academic performance. As a developmental optometrist, has treated many students who struggle to learn how to read due to vision problems. In this blog, we will explore how vision therapy […]
Bloodshot eyes can be alarming, but they are not always a cause for concern. In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of bloodshot eyes, how to treat them, and when to seek medical attention. We will also provide some helpful tips for preventing bloodshot eyes in the future. Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage A subconjunctival […]
Monday - Friday
9am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 1pm
Sunday
Closed
