Will my sight improve?

I suffered a stroke a fortnight ago and I’ve lost the vision on my left side... nobody will give me an honest answer or they dodge the subject. Can I expect my sight to improve? I know it will never be 100% but is there a chance it will improve? I need to drive for work and in my current state that won’t be possible. Im happy to receive honest answers. Thank you.

Dear Andy,

I'm so sorry to hear about your recent stroke. Visual problems following a stroke are very common with up to two-thirds of people affected.

Recovery after stroke is different for everyone. It’s very difficult to predict the amount of recovery someone might make and depends on many factors. For example, how much damage was caused by the stroke, the area of the brain that has been damaged and your health before the stroke. This may be why you have not received a definite answer to your question.

We aren’t medically trained, so we are not able to provide medical opinion. We do understand that the effects of stroke tend to be worse in the first few weeks and months following the stroke, and that some people may see improvements in this time. It would be helpful to speak a doctor or eye specialist for more tailored information for you.

With visual field loss, there may be techniques and optical aids that may be able to help. Our guide on visual problems after stroke explains the different types of eye problems you might experience. The guide provides further information on organisations that offer support and advice as well as online, accessible tools that can help with visual problems. Here’s the link:

Visual problems after stroke
https://www.stroke.org.uk/resources/visual-problems-after-stroke

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are there for everyone affected by sight loss. They provide emotional support and advice, provide practical ways to live independently, whether you need help with technology, ways to continue reading or advice on staying in work.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Helpline Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Helpline Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: http://www.rnib.org.uk/

If you would like to talk to someone who understands the effects of stroke, you are very welcome to call us on our Stroke Helpline. The Stroke Helpline is open Monday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 8.00am to 6.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm. The helpline number is 0303 303 3100. You can also email mystrokeguide@stroke.org.uk.

Hope this is helpful!

Andrew

Hi Andy, 

I lost half of my vision and now have a left homonymous hemianopia myself. At the time of my stroke, coming up to 3 years ago now, I remember being worried most about the visual problems. I saw a consultant ophthalmologist pretty quickly privately and was finally given some straight answers. Usually if your sight is going to come back it's within the first few weeks but small improvements can be gained up to around 6 months post event. 

It was difficult coming to terms with but in the end, I had to give up my licence and through my ophthalmologist was registered as sight impaired (CVI registration). This allowed me to get a little help through the local authority and apply for a scheme called "Access to work" it is a non means tested benefit to try and get people with disabilities back into work, this helped me with some of the cost of my commute on public transport so may be worth looking into if your situation does not improve. If you need anything of have any questions though ping me a message would be more than happy to help.

Thanks, 

Andy 

 

Hi I didn’t loose my vision but had double vision it did correct over time I also pushed to see a neuro opthomologist .   You have to advocate for yourself to get services you need .   

Hi there, i used to get a lot of double visions (every other day) before my stroke (Feb '18) and even after the stroke (every few weeks). Although over the months the frequency of the double visions have reduced (once in a few months). i'm not sure how much this helps but thought i'd let you know. Good luck