If a stroke affects your visual perception, here are some ways it may impact you and what you can do about it.
What is visual perception?
We use information from our eyes to determine the size, shape and position of the objects we see. Our brain uses this to work out how far away they are from us and where they are in relation to other things. This is called visual or spatial perception.
Signs of visual perception problems
If a stroke affects your visual perception, you may not be able to:
- Judge depths or distances. You may not know how close you are to something, or when a cup is almost full, or how high a step is. This can make getting around difficult, especially when you go up and down stairs or through doorways.
- Tell the difference between foreground and background. You may not be able to spot a white plate on a white table, or see the item you’re looking for in a cluttered drawer.
- Interact with objects very easily, like putting a lid back on a jar or putting food on a fork.
- Follow terms like ‘in front of’ or ‘inside’. If someone tells you the sugar is behind the teabags, you may not know where you need to look.
What can I do about visual perception problems?
Usually if you have problems with visual perception, they will be picked up by your doctors or therapists while you’re in hospital or by your community team when you’re back at home. If they have not been, and you start to notice you may be having problems, then contact your GP.
If these problems are making day-to-day life difficult, then you should be referred to an occupational therapist. They will work with you to find ways to help you cope. They can also suggest aids and equipment to help you.