When Part of the World Disappears: Vision Loss After Head Injury

When Part of the World Disappears: Vision Loss After Head Injury

When Part of the World Disappears: Vision Loss After Head Injury

A Brain Injury 101 Guide by Robbins Nest Alliance

Visual changes are some of the most common and most misunderstood symptoms after a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Many survivors describe moments where the world feels dimmer on one side, words slide off the page, or entire parts of their vision simply “go missing.”

If you or someone you love has experienced this, you’re not alone.

Up to 70% of people with a brain injury develop some kind of visual problem. Some are mild and temporary. Others, like partial field loss, can be more lasting and life-changing.

This guide breaks it down in a simple, supportive way to help you understand what’s happening and what steps may help.

Why Vision Changes After Brain Injury

A brain injury doesn’t just affect thinking or memory — it can directly affect how the brain processes what the eyes see. Even when the eyes themselves are perfectly healthy, the injury may disrupt the pathways that interpret visual signals.

Common symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision

  • Trouble focusing

  • Eye strain

  • Double vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Difficulty reading

  • “Visual snow” or shimmering

  • Losing track of objects on one side

These symptoms can appear immediately or gradually, often making daily tasks exhausting.

Homonymous Hemianopia: When an Entire Side Disappears

One of the most significant visual changes after head trauma is homonymous hemianopia — a loss of vision on the same side in both eyes (for example, everything on the right side disappears).

This happens when the part of the brain that processes vision is injured. It is not an eye problem. It’s a brain pathway problem.

People with hemianopia often:

  • Miss objects on one side

  • Feel off-balance

  • Struggle with driving

  • Turn their head constantly to compensate

  • Have difficulty reading

It can be frightening, frustrating, and isolating especially if the change is sudden.

How It’s Diagnosed

A neuro-ophthalmologist or vision rehab specialist typically performs:

  • Visual field testing

  • Eye movement assessments

  • Neurological screening

  • Sometimes brain imaging

Many people don’t initially realize they have field loss, which is why professional testing is important.

Can It Improve?

Sometimes, yes particularly in the first months after injury. However, once vision loss stabilizes, complete recovery is uncommon.

But here’s the hopeful part:
People can learn to function beautifully and safely with the right tools.

Rehabilitation Options That Help

While there’s no magic cure for restoring the lost visual field, several strategies can significantly improve quality of life:

1. Eye-Scanning Training

Learning new ways to move the eyes to “scan” the missing side can make walking, reading, and navigating much safer.

2. Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT)

Computer-based exercises may help strengthen visual processing near the damaged areas.

3. Prism Glasses

These specialized lenses shift part of the missing field into the seeing side, giving the brain more usable information.

4. Occupational Therapy

OTs help survivors adapt at home and in daily activities  from cooking safely to improving mobility and reading.

5. Support for Traumatic Optic Nerve Injury

If the optic nerve itself was damaged, treatment focuses on reducing strain, managing symptoms, and maximizing remaining vision.

Living With Visual Field Loss

Vision changes after brain injury can impact independence, confidence, and emotional health. Daily routines may need adjusting. Driving often becomes unsafe. Crowded spaces feel overwhelming.

But with support, training, and patience, many survivors regain a sense of ease and confidence.

If your loved one’s vision seems stable (not worsening), a neuro-ophthalmologist and vision rehab specialist can create a personalized plan to strengthen what remains.

You Are Not Alone

At Robbins Nest Alliance, we know firsthand how frightening visual changes can be — for survivors and caregivers. We also know how powerful the right information, therapy, and tools can be in rebuilding confidence.

If you want to learn more, our deep-dive article goes even further into the neuroscience and treatment options.

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