Hemianopia

Hemianopia, often caused by brain trauma such as stroke, involves the loss of half of the visual field due to damage to the visual pathways connecting the brain and the eyes. This condition can render individuals unable to see either to the left or right from the center of their visual field in both eyes. The extent of sight loss varies depending on the affected brain area, with around two-thirds of stroke survivors experiencing some form of visual impairment, including hemianopia. While strokes are more common in older adults, they can also affect working-age individuals and, rarely, children. Certain populations face increased risk, including those of African, Caribbean, and South Asian descent, individuals with a family history of stroke, and those with lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, along with medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Treatment typically involves rehabilitation and training to optimize remaining vision rather than surgical or medicinal intervention, with some individuals experiencing partial recovery while others sustain permanent vision loss as the brain heals.