When someone suffers a stroke or brain injury, they may experience hemianopia. This condition is a type of vision loss. The amount of damage can range from partial to extensive based on the severity of the injury. There are many forms of hemianopia, including:
- Quadrantanopia
This type includes loss of one fourth of the patient’s visual field.
- Homonymous Hemianopia
This type includes a loss of all or a majority of the left or right side of the visual field.
- Bitemporal Hemianopia
Outer halves of the field of vision in both eyes experiences vision loss.
- Binasal Hemianopia
Inner halves of the field of vision in both eyes experience vision loss. This is the area close to the nose.
The Cause of Hemianopia
When hemianopia occurs, it’s because visual pathways were damaged. These pathways carry information from one side of each eye to the brain. So, for example, if vision loss occurs on the left side of the field of vision, then that means the pathways connecting both eyes to the right side of the brain were damaged.
Life with Hemianopia
The effects of hemianopia may not be permanent. Many patients begin to improve over the following days or months after the initial injury. Approximately 20% to 28% of patients will have lingering vision loss.
Reduced sight can cause some patients to become fearful about going out on their own due to the added risk of falling or running into people or objects. It can also make navigating sidewalks or crossing streets difficult. Compensatory therapy is sometimes used to teach patients how to adapt through different visual techniques.
If you suffer from hemianopia or any other eye condition, contact Eye Michigan’s Southeast Michigan office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about treatment options.