Intermediate
Technical
IVT
hemianopsia
Pronunciation: hem-ee-an-OP-see-ah
Loss of vision in half of the visual field of one or both eyes.
Full Definition
Hemianopsia refers to the loss of vision in half of the visual field, which can affect one eye (monocular) or both eyes (binocular). The condition results from damage to the visual pathways anywhere from the optic chiasm to the visual cortex. Types include homonymous hemianopsia (same half of visual field lost in both eyes) and heteronymous hemianopsia (different halves affected). The location of the lesion determines the specific pattern of visual field loss observed.
Usage
Usage note: Note the spelling variation: hemianopsia vs. hemianopia - both are acceptable but hemianopsia is more common in neuro-ophthalmology.
In Context
- "The stroke patient presented with a right homonymous hemianopsia affecting both eyes." — Neurology consultation
- "Automated perimetry confirmed the presence of a complete left hemianopsia." — Visual field testing report
Also known as
hemianopia
half-field defect
Contrasted with
full visual field
intact visual field
Don't confuse with
hemianopia
quadrantanopia