What is Hemianopia

Hemianopia, also called hemiopia or hemianopsia, is partial vision loss in the right or left half of the eye. This may affect one or both eyes. It is often caused by a stroke or brain injury. This condition causes trouble seeing and can make it difficult to do everyday tasks.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Stroke.
• Brain or head injury.
• Brain tumor.
• Bleeding in the brain.
• Brain surgery.
• Certain medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.

What are the signs or symptoms?

This condition causes vision loss in the right or left half of the field of vision, in one or both eyes. As a result, you may:

• Have problems reading or writing.
• Have frequent falls or stumbles because you cannot see well.
• Bump into people or things.
• Knock things over frequently.
• Have problems driving.
• Have problems seeing or using common things.
• Get surprised by people or things that seem to appear suddenly.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed by:

• A physical exam, medical history, and your symptoms.
• An eye exam.
• A visual field test to check your vision in each part of your eye.
• Imaging tests of your brain, such as CT scan or MRI.

You may be referred to an eye doctor who specializes in eye problems that are related to the brain (neuro-ophthalmologist).

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

• Eye exercises.
• Scanning therapy. This teaches you to look side-to-side so you can see what is in your blind spot.
• Vision restoration therapy (VRT). This type of therapy involves using a computer to do eye exercises to help your eyes focus.
• Special devices to read or do other tasks.
• Special glasses with prisms to help your vision.
• Reading strategies to help you read, such as turning the text to the side or using a straight edge to follow the text.

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

• Make changes to your home to avoid falls and injuries. This may include:
  • Removing rugs and mats from the floor.
  • Removing clutter.
  • Adding rails or grab bars in the bathroom.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery until your health care provider approves.
• If you have trouble with basic or daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, or washing, ask for help.

General instructions

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do exercises and therapy as directed. Use devices and glasses as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You lose more of your vision.
• You become dizzy or you faint.
• You have problems doing your eye exercises or other therapies.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe pain in one or both of your eyes.
• You cannot see at all.
• You have a seizure.

Summary

• Hemianopia is partial vision loss in the right or left half of the eye. This may affect one or both eyes.
• This condition is often caused by a stroke or brain injury.
• You may need eye exercises, therapies, special glasses, and other treatments.
• If you have trouble with basic or daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, or washing, ask for help.