Visual Impairments

Question 1

Visual Impairments

Answer 1

• Diplopia
• Visual Field Deficits
• Hemianopia

Question 2

Diplopia

Answer 2

• Double vision
• Pt sees 2 of everything
• Usually the result of impaired motor control of one eye
• Motor coordination of eyes for bilateral fixation on a single object, either horizontal or vertical

Question 3

Treatment for Diplopia

Answer 3

• Eye tracking ex’s
• Alternate eye patches
• Possibly prism glasses

Question 4

Visual Field Deficits

Answer 4

• Any decrease in size of visual field

- Many variations can be seen

Question 5

Hemianopia

Answer 5

• Homonymous Hemianopia
• Loss of visual field on the involved side
• Usually results from damage to the middle cerebral artery
• 26% of CVA’s
• Often accompanied by visual neglect
• Pt’s have increased difficulty with ADL’s

Question 6

How to test for Hemianopia

Answer 6

• Pt stares at examiners nose
• Object is moved across visual field from involved side to uninvolved side
• Pt indicates when he/she can see the object

Question 7

Treatment for Hemianopia

Answer 7

• Teach compensation, if possible look to involved side
• Place utensils, phone, TV etc on uninvolved side, then gradually move to involved side
• Visual cues
• Many verbal cues
• exercises and/or activities that involve movement toward the involved side
• Pt must be taught to look to involved side for safety