Can Vision Be Restored After a Stroke?

Depending on the severity and location of a stroke, you may experience partial or complete vision loss in one or both eyes, blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty with visual processing. Some effects can fade as your brain heals, while others respond to more focused intervention.   

Our team at DeyeNAMICS specializes in therapies to help you overcome visual impairments related to strokes. We can’t promise full recovery in every case, but we can help minimize the impact on your quality of life.

Read more from our team about how a stroke can affect your vision and how we can help.

Understanding Stroke-Related Vision Loss

Strokes affect vision differently, depending on which part of the brain is damaged. The most common types of vision problems after a stroke include:

• Hemianopia: Loss of vision in half of the visual field in one or both eyes
• Quadrantanopia: Loss of vision in a quarter of the visual field
• Diplopia (double vision): Misalignment of the eyes, leading to duplicated images
• Visual neglect: Difficulty processing and lack of awareness of space on one side
• Blurred or reduced vision: Generalized reduction in clarity and focus
• Scotoma: Blind spot in one or both eyes

The aftereffects of a stroke may also include difficulty moving your eyes, problems with blinking, and dry eyes, all of which can affect vision.

Can Eyesight Be Restored After a Stroke?

The severity of the stroke, the location of the brain damage, and your overall health can all affect recovery of vision.

While some people experience improvement within the first few months, others may need targeted rehabilitation. Complete vision restoration is not always guaranteed, but many strategies can help improve eyesight and adaptability.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Options

Rehab programs to restore vision after a stroke are tailored to your needs and may include:

Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation

Vision therapy, guided by neuro-optometrists, involves structured exercises to retrain the brain to process visual information more effectively.

This may include eye movement exercises to improve tracking and coordination, scanning techniques to compensate for lost visual fields, and computer-based programs to enhance visual processing. It may also include working with movement and vision to re-learn how to interact with the affected side of your body and visual field.

Prism Glasses and Optical Aids

Specialized lenses, such as prism glasses, can help shift the visual field and compensate for blind spots. Other optical aids, including magnifiers and adaptive lighting, can improve visual function.

Occupational Therapy

A structured occupational therapy program can help you adapt to visual impairments and learn techniques for safely navigating your home, work, and social environments. This can be done in conjunction with visual rehabilitation.

Medications and Medical Interventions

In some cases, medications promoting neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire — may aid recovery. Consulting with a neurologist or ophthalmologist can help determine appropriate medical treatments.

Lifestyle Changes and Assistive Strategies

Making simple adjustments in your daily life can enhance vision recovery. This may include:

• Ensuring good lighting at home
• Using contrasting colors to differentiate objects
• Stress management to support overall brain health
• Engaging in physical therapy to improve overall coordination and perception

Your Journey to Recovery 

Every stroke survivor’s journey is unique, and vision recovery varies from person to person. With dedication and support, many people regain partial or functional vision, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges of stroke-related vision loss.

Early intervention and persistence play a crucial role in maximizing recovery. If you or a loved one is experiencing vision problems after a stroke, schedule a visit at DeyeNAMICS today.