Learning About Visual Acuity Changes After a Stroke

Vision acuity means how clearly you can see things. Visual acuity impairments after a stroke can be mild, moderate, or severe. Not everyone who has a stroke will have vision problems, as it depends on which part of the brain is affected.

It is important to see an eye doctor within 1 month after your stroke to examine your eyes. To see an optometrist, you can book an appointment yourself or be referred. If you do not have an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor), your doctor can refer you.

Practical ways to enhance vision

Lighting

You may find you prefer a certain type of lighting. Try different kinds.

• A flexible arm lamp may help you by shining light directly where you need it.

• Your vision after moving from a bright room to a dark room, or from a dark room to a bright room, can be affected from your stroke. Keeping the same lighting throughout your home can make it easier for you to see.
• For glare, some tinted glasses can be used for indoor or outdoor use and come in various shades. Sun visors or hats may help you see more clearly outside by blocking light from above.

Adjustments for your home

• Change the colour of your door handles so they stand out against the door.
• Write notes with a big black marker to be easier to see. Use black lined paper.
• Use a phone with big, numbered buttons to make it easier to see.
• Use contrasting colours around the home to make things stand out. For example:
  • Pick light-coloured cups for dark drinks or dark cups for light-coloured drinks.
  • Choose different coloured knives or chopping boards.
  • Use different coloured placemats, plates, or tablecloths.

Using a red placemat makes the white cup stand out.

• You may find it easier to read print on a yellow background. You can buy yellow overlays from online stores or stationery stores, like the shop operated by the CNIB foundation.

Magnification aids and assistive technology

Magnifiers come in different sizes. Lighted LED handheld magnifiers can make things brighter and easier to see. The magnifiers that are available from vision rehabilitation specialists or from optometrists are usually much stronger than storebought ones.

Having an assessment done at Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (you can make an appointment yourself) or at specialized low vision clinics at certain hospitals or optometrist offices can be helpful. Depending on your level of vision problems or impairment, there may be government assistance for visual aids. You can also purchase visual aids in person or online, like at your local CNIB centre.

Computers, tablets, and smartphones

You may have to adjust the settings on your device, for example by:

• adjusting the font (text size)
• changing the contrast
• using text-to-speech features that can read text aloud to you

Use your smartphone to give you directions, place phone calls, answer questions, and offer other types of help. Apps such as “Seeing AI” (for Apple devices), “Envision” (for Android devices), or “Be My Eyes” can help by reading or describing things back to you.

Smart digital assistants, like Siri, Alexa, or Google, can help you use your device by listening to your voice commands. Smart digital assistants can also be used to adjust settings in your home such as lighting or temperature.

Recommendations for leisure activities

It is important to keep doing things you enjoy and adapt to your vision loss. Here are some tips:

• Line guides, rulers, or coloured markers can help with reading.

• Sitting closer to the television or even slightly off to the side may make it easier to enjoy your favourite programs. Your eyes will not be harmed by sitting too close.
• Crosswords or playing cards are available in large print.
• Large print and digital talking books are available. You can visit your local library or Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and ask what is available.
• Consider joining peer support walking groups, sport programs, or other groups to keep your social connections strong.
• Vision loss from stroke can impact your mobility. White canes can help you judge distances like steps. You can get one from Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_visual_acuity_change_stroke_inst.

Related to vision acuity changes after stroke

• Your vision after stroke: Visual acuity changes
• Driving a car in Alberta after a stroke
• Stroke care in Alberta

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: March 19, 2026

Author: Provincial EyeSee After Stroke Working Group, Acute Care Alberta

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.