hemianopia
Pronunciation: hem-ee-an-OH-pee-ah
Loss of vision in half of the visual field, typically caused by damage to the visual pathway.
Full Definition
Hemianopia, also spelled hemianopsia, is a visual field defect characterized by the loss of vision in one-half of the visual field in one or both eyes. The condition is typically caused by lesions affecting the optic tract, lateral geniculate nucleus, optic radiations, or primary visual cortex. Homonymous hemianopia affects the same side of the visual field in both eyes (e.g., left hemianopia in both eyes), usually resulting from post-chiasmal lesions such as stroke, tumor, or trauma. Heteronymous hemianopia affects different halves of the visual field in each eye and typically results from chiasmal lesions. This condition significantly impacts daily activities such as reading, driving, and navigation, requiring rehabilitation strategies and adaptive techniques.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type (homonymous, heteronymous, complete, incomplete) and affected side.
In Context
- "The stroke patient developed left homonymous hemianopia due to right occipital lobe infarction." — Neurological examination
- "Visual field testing confirmed bitemporal hemianopia consistent with pituitary adenoma compression." — Ophthalmology report