Can a Stroke Affect the Eyes?

Though we all know that a stroke can have a profound effect on speech and facial muscles, not as much is said about how it affects the vision. Our ability to see involves the brain as well the eyes, and the damage a stroke causes in the brain can have a direct impact on the eyes’ visual pathways.

Senior couple walking in a park

A significant percentage of stroke victims do experience vision problems – up to two-thirds, in fact. These problems are more common with strokes that affect the right side of the brain, and may include blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), field loss (hemianopia) and vision processing problems.

Vision Problems That Can Be Brought On by Stroke

Strokes can alter vision in a variety of different ways. Here are a few examples:

Blurred and double vision (diplopia). In order to see clearly, our eyes have to be able to work in coordination with each other. A stroke can damage the nerves that move and align the eyes, which affects the eyes’ ability to work as a pair and results in blurred vision and/or double vision that make it hard to focus on objects.
Field loss (hemianopia). Hemianopia is a type of vision loss that can occur after a stroke, which affects either the right or the left visual field of both eyes. The degree to which the visual field is compromised depends on which area of the brain was damaged, and the extent of the damage.
Vision processing issues. Even if you have perfect eyesight, if your eyes aren’t processing visual input correctly, your vision will be affected. This can lead to people ignoring objects or other people because they don’t realize they’re there, and can cause difficulties in interpreting and processing text.

While for many, loss of vision due to stroke is permanent, in some cases treatment is possible. For double vision caused by stroke, prisms like those in the aligning prismatic lenses prescribed at the Neuro Visual Center of New York can be used to help resolve symptoms.

Make an Appointment at the Neuro Visual Center of New York

If you or a loved one have experienced a stroke and are suffering from any of the visual symptoms previously described, a comprehensive neurovisual examination by our doctors can help determine the extent of the damage and what, if anything, we can do to help. Give us a call today at (516) 224-4888.

Testimonials

Prior to being treated by Dr. Cheryl, I constantly felt off balance. I had suffered from frequent migraines since I was 12 years old. I often suffered from neck/ back pain, and always felt like I was straining my neck and/or tilting my head to focus on the computer. My family had always noticed that I walked a bit sideways as well, but they attributed that to me being "clumsy". I had awful anxiety about walking down flights of stairs or through the mall, as I always had this irrational fear of falling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as I would tend to avoid social situations where I felt uncomfortable or not in control. At my annual eye exam, Dr. Cheryl asked how my migraines had been. I casually mentioned that I was having dizzy spells and felt off balance. As Dr. Cheryl went through a series of questions, it seemed like she was reading off a script of my symptoms. She started to explain binocular vision dysfunction and asked if I would consider a neuro visual test that may be able to determine if I was a candidate for the type of treatment she was involved in. I was skeptical, but desperate. The tests administered by Dr. Cheryl produced black and white, concrete results. I was blown away by how clear it was that this "visual vertigo" I was experiencing was not only completely legitimate, but treatable. My skepticism disappeared immediately when Dr. Cheryl had me wear a trial pair of glasses with prisms in them. I felt taller, grounded, and completely in control. My glasses have made a tremendous difference in my everyday life. I feel balanced and aware of my surroundings. I no longer catch myself tilting my head while reading through pages of documents on my computer, or tilting my head to get a better view of the TV. It is more than a change in my prescription or a "clearer view," it is an entire perspective change. I have not had a single migraine in 6 months - I am still in shock when I say those words. My dizzy spells have subsided, as well. When I am not wearing my glasses, which is rare, I can immediately feel the difference in my equilibrium. I would never have guessed that all of these symptoms and subsequent issues, were vision related. Dr. Cheryl was 100% supportive and genuinely concerned about my comfort and progress throughout this whole journey. I would, without hesitation, recommend her to anyone that suffers from these symptoms. She is a true life saver and is passionate about investing her time and energy into this growing field.

A. S.

Navigation

Vision Problems That Can Be Brought On by Stroke

Make an Appointment at the Neuro Visual Center of New York

About Dr. Cheryl Berger Israeloff

Testimonials