This page looks at low-vision aids, apps to help with reading and making changes around your home if you have vision problems.  

On this page:

Making the most of your sight  

Ask your orthoptist or optometrist (optician) if you need new glasses, and if you would benefit from low vision aids. An eye health specialist or GP can refer you to the local low vision service, where you can get low vision aids and advice.  

You may be given magnifiers for use with near objects and reading, or telescopes for distance. You can try using brighter lighting, and using colours to make household objects easier to find.  

You might need someone to help you get around in the early days and weeks after your stroke. With support, and by learning techniques like visual scanning, people can regain confidence and become more independent.  

There are lots of other things you can try to help with your vision, including:  

  • If you have double vision, try using a patch when reading or watching television.  
  • Make sure your lighting is good and you can change the level of lighting (for example, with a dimmer switch). Charity Guide Dogs has more information on lighting for people with vision problems. 
  • If you find things too bright, you can try sunglasses, anti-glare glasses or coloured overlays. You can also adjust the colour and brightness settings on your phone, tablet or laptop, to make them more comfortable.  
  • Reduce the number of objects on your surfaces at home, particularly in the kitchen. If there’s too much clutter, it can be harder to pick out what you’re looking for. 
  • Vision problems are not always obvious to other people. You might find it helpful to explain your sight problems to friends, family and colleagues, to help them understand the support you need. A white stick or cane also tells people you have a sight issue.  
  • If you lack confidence in going out and about, a visual rehabilitation officer can help you to learn strategies for safe travel on foot and public transport. 

Support with reading problems 

If you’re finding reading difficult, ask your stroke nurse or optician to refer you for specialist advice about practical things you can try to improve your reading.  

Three common stroke-related reading problems are: 

Hemianopic alexia 

This is when visual field loss interferes with text reading. You might be able to read accurately but slowly. There is a free practice-based app to help improve your reading at Read Right. 

Pure alexia 

A stroke can damage a key part of the brain that lets you identify words on the page. You might read slowly, find it hard to recognise words, and sometimes mix up letters that look similar (such as p, b and d). There is a practice-based app for alexia called iRead-More, which you can download on the Apple or Google Play stores. 

Alexia can also affect people with aphasia.  

Neglect dyslexia 

Damage to brain regions that deal with spatial analysis of the world can mean you get lost on the page. There is a free reading aid app that helps you with visuo-spatial challenges of text reading, by presenting text one line or even one word at a time. Find out more at Read-Clear. 

Support with returning to work 

If you’re having problems with your work because of your vision, you can ask your employer to make reasonable adjustments to help you. You can read more about this in our guide to work. The RNIB also has information and resources on vision problems and work.