Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Homonymous hemianop(s)ia and prism lenses (self.Blind)
submitted by jek339
I have basically a full left side cut in my vision due to a stroke in 2019. I'm in my early 30s and I'm very active (I'm a competitive cyclist, I rock climb, etc). I don't drive due to the vision loss, but I do cycle regularly, in traffic, and I'm a software engineer, so most of my work takes place on a computer.
After the stroke, I had one occupational therapy session, but since months had passed before I could get an appointment, it wasn't helpful. That said, the therapist mentioned prism lenses. I recently went to a new optometrist, and she tried out some prism lenses on me. It was pretty cool (and kind of disconcerting?) to see the effect, but I'm wary about getting them for a few reasons:
* I cope pretty darn well without them
* they're going to be expensive, and it'll restrict where I can get glasses made
* I wear contact lenses for sport, and I'm concerned that I'll get used to the prism lenses and forget how to scan
One thing I was considering was getting a pair for "home" wear but continuing to wear my normal glasses outside so at least I remember how to scan when I'm out of the house.
Has anyone with a similar visual field deficit tried prism lenses? If so, what did you think?
After the stroke, I had one occupational therapy session, but since months had passed before I could get an appointment, it wasn't helpful. That said, the therapist mentioned prism lenses. I recently went to a new optometrist, and she tried out some prism lenses on me. It was pretty cool (and kind of disconcerting?) to see the effect, but I'm wary about getting them for a few reasons:
* I cope pretty darn well without them
* they're going to be expensive, and it'll restrict where I can get glasses made
* I wear contact lenses for sport, and I'm concerned that I'll get used to the prism lenses and forget how to scan
One thing I was considering was getting a pair for "home" wear but continuing to wear my normal glasses outside so at least I remember how to scan when I'm out of the house.
Has anyone with a similar visual field deficit tried prism lenses? If so, what did you think?
Hopingtobehappier 2 points 2y ago
I recently had a stroke with the same results- I haven’t been able to try it yet but I heard walking sticks are good. Have you used them before?
jek339 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
No, I'd expect that to have been on the occupational therapist's list, but she said that I was coping really well, and she never mentioned it. I have to be super alert when I'm out and about walking (the city where I live has quite disgusting streets), but I also ride and race bikes, so I'm in traffic a lot, and it's been really good for forcing me to scan really well.
Hopingtobehappier 1 points 2y ago
Thanks! It was an off the topic question but thank you for being so detailed. I’ve been home all day since it happened so I’m still a newbie when it comes to walking outside haha, sounds like I need more practice!
Mamamagpie 1 points 7m ago
Hallowss 1 points 2y ago
I have prisms! To begin with I felt the same as you, but they really do make my life easier overall.
The only thing I wish I done different was wait until my vision stabilised as I had a period of time where I needed a new prescription every 6 months... so you might want to consider that
Now my vision has stabilised, definitely worth the money, also having one person that does all my eye stuff is easier and cheaper than having a separate opharmologist
The only thing I wish I done different was wait until my vision stabilised as I had a period of time where I needed a new prescription every 6 months... so you might want to consider that
Now my vision has stabilised, definitely worth the money, also having one person that does all my eye stuff is easier and cheaper than having a separate opharmologist
jek339 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Ooooh! Yeah, my parents were always wary of optometrists, but this one seemed competent (the exam was definitely more thorough than the one my ophthalmologist did).
Do you ever switch between contacts and glasses? If so, how is that?
Do you ever switch between contacts and glasses? If so, how is that?
Hallowss 1 points 2y ago
Luckily my entire family is long sighted so my parents were willing to help at the beginning, they also let me find one I trusted, so this one might be able to explain to you more about why you could benefit from prisms
I can't wear contacts, but I've had prisms for 5ish years now and I struggle less without the prisms than I did before? My vision is far worse, but they helped develop my eye muscle strength (l also did physio) - that was the main deciding reason for me to carry on with prisms
I can't wear contacts, but I've had prisms for 5ish years now and I struggle less without the prisms than I did before? My vision is far worse, but they helped develop my eye muscle strength (l also did physio) - that was the main deciding reason for me to carry on with prisms
Hallowss 1 points 2y ago
That being said, when I put my non prismed glasses one there is also a moment of 'oh my god' then it's absolutely fine and I often forget I put my non prisms on until I'm trying to read
niamhweking 1 points 2y ago
I can't offer any pros or cons as I'm unaware of prism lenses but would the cost be worth it for a home pair, when it's the place you know the best and probably need the least assistance in? It seems like you are very capable and currently don't need the new type of lens?
jek339 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
It might help with reading. Because my visual field deficit is on the left side, it can be hard for me to read without losing my place. With the prisms, I still have a blind spot, but it’s more central, and I get some peripheral vision back.
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