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Hemianopia

Overview

Hemianopia means loss of field of vision on one side (right/ left). The patient cannot see the objects on the affected side.

  • Homonymous hemianopia - Caused by stroke, tumour
  • Bitemporal hemianopia- In patients with pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma patients
  • Inferior quadrantanopia- In stroke and tumour patients
  • Superior quadrantanopia- Caused by stroke, tumour
  • Binasal hemianopia - In patients with bilateral internal carotid artery aneurysms
  • Bilateral scotomas- In patients with head injury
  • Junctional scotoma- In patients harbouring tumours

The following symptoms are present:

  • Partial loss of vision (in one half of the visual field)
  • Difficulty noticing objects, people, or text on the affected side
  • Bumping into obstacles or struggling with reading and driving

Hemianopia occurs due to damage to the brain or pathways that control vision. Common causes include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumours
  • Lymphoma
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Dementia
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • High brain pressure
  • Carotid artery aneurysms
  • Shaken baby syndrome

Doctors may recommend:

  • Clinical examination of the eye
  • Perimetry (visual field test) to map the exact area of vision loss
  • MRI brain to identify the underlying cause (tumour, stroke, or lesion)

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • Repetitive visual stimulation for the affected side to train the brain to compensate for vision loss
  • Medical or surgical treatment for stroke, tumour, aneurysm, or other causes

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty seeing objects on one side while walking, reading, or driving
  • Vision loss accompanied by headache, weakness, numbness, confusion, or speech difficulty (may indicate a stroke or brain emergency)

While not all causes of hemianopia can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

  • Managing cardiovascular risk factors (control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to reduce stroke risk)
  • Wearing protective gear to prevent head injuries during sports, driving, or high-risk activities

For diagnosis and management of hemianopia, consult a Neurologist (specialist in brain and nerve disorders).

Disclaimer:

The information in this Health Library is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any treatment. Use of this site and its content does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency facility immediately.