Hemianopia

Blindness affects half of the field of vision. Hemianopia, also known as hemianopsia, may be caused by various medical conditions but usually results from a stroke or brain injury. It may affect the visual field’s right or left side and is usually permanent. Hemianopia can produce various effects, from minor to severe. For example, a person may be able to see only to one side when looking ahead, or objects that the person sees may differ in clarity or brightness. Such low vision can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, from reading to crossing streets. There is no specific treatment for hemianopia, but low-vision rehabilitation specialists can help people learn to make the most of their sight. In addition, some people with hemianopia benefit from using magnifiers or special prism lenses.