Hemianopsia Health Article

Treatment team

Neurologists, ophthalmologists, and neuroophthalmologists all work with patients with hemianopsia. Occupational therapists and vision rehabilitation specialists can be integral in teaching the individual how to compensate for their vision loss.

Treatment

Treatment includes therapy to practice techniques that may help an individual overcome the obstacles of hemianopsia. For example, changing reading techniques (looking at the last part of the word, rather than the first) may improve an individual's ability to read and enjoy reading. Special scanning techniques may be taught, using a machine called a Dynavision, which will help an individual learn how to turn the head in certain ways to scan the environment and compensate for the lost visual field.

Special glasses lenses, some with mirrors or prisms incorporated, may allow an individual with hemianopsia to view a greater visual field.

Prognosis

Recovery of vision after stroke or head injury is usually maximal within the first three to six months; hemianopsia persisting after that point is usually permanent.

Special concerns

Driving can be a particular concern for people with hemianopsia. By learning new techniques for scanning the environment, some individuals can safely return to driving; others will not be able to drive safely, and will no longer be able to obtain a driver's license. This can result in significant changes in an individual's lifestyle, independence, and employability.

BOOKS

Liu, Grant T., and Nancy J. Newman. "Cranial Nerve II and Afferent Visual Pathways." In Textbook of Clinical Neurology, edited by Christopher G. Goetz. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2003.

Pulsinelli, William A. "Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease." In Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine, edited by Lee Goldman, et al. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2000.

ORGANIZATIONS

Lighthouse International. 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. 212-821-9200 or 800-829-0500. info@lighthouse.org. <http://www.lighthouse.org/Default.htm>.

Rosalyn Carson-Dewitt, MD