Neurological Vision Loss in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Neurological vision impairment (also called neurological vision loss or acquired brain injury–related vision impairment, ABI VI) is vision loss caused by damage to the brain rather than a problem with the eyes themselves. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, this type of vision loss is often seen after stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or infections such as meningitis.

Local hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health frequently diagnose and treat patients with neurological vision loss, especially in their neurology and rehabilitation departments.

How the Brain Affects Vision

Your eyes collect light and send information to the brain through the optic nerves. Several parts of the brain are involved in seeing, especially the occipital cortex at the back of the head. This area processes:

  • Distance
  • Shape
  • Movement
  • Color

When any of these brain areas are damaged, vision can be reduced or altered even if the eyes are otherwise healthy. This is why neurological vision loss cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Neurological vision loss used to be called cortical visual impairment or cortical blindness.

Common Causes of Neurological Vision Loss in West Michigan

In the Grand Rapids area, some of the most common causes of ABI-related vision impairment include:

  • Stroke (“brain attack”)

    • A blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke).
    • Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Michigan, particularly in older adults and those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

    • From car crashes on I-196 or US-131, falls on ice during West Michigan winters, sports injuries, or workplace accidents.
    • Even a “mild” concussion can sometimes affect vision temporarily.

  • Lack of oxygen to the brain

    • Near-drowning incidents in lakes or rivers, cardiac arrest, or severe respiratory problems can interrupt blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

  • Brain diseases

    • Brain tumors
    • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
    • Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis

Because Grand Rapids experiences long, icy winters and a high level of outdoor activity around the Great Lakes region, both falls and motor vehicle crashes are important contributors to brain injuries that may affect vision.

Types of Neurological Vision Loss

The type and severity of vision loss depend on which part of the brain is affected and how severe the damage is. Some children and adults in Grand Rapids may see gradual improvement over time as the brain heals or adapts.

Common Patterns of Vision Loss

  • Visual field defects

    • Parts of what you can see (your “visual field”) are missing.
    • Examples:
      • Loss of half of the visual field in each eye
      • Loss of a quarter of the visual field in each eye

  • Homonymous hemianopia

    • One of the most common vision problems after a stroke or brain injury.
    • The same half of the visual field is missing in both eyes.
    • For example, with left homonymous hemianopia, the person cannot see anything on the left side of their visual world, even though both eyes are open and working.
    • People may say, “I can’t see out of my left eye,” but the issue is actually the left side of the visual field in both eyes.

    Everyday effects may include:

    • People appearing to have only half a face
    • Words or sentences “disappearing” when reading as they move into the missing field
    • Bumping into objects or door frames on the affected side
    • Increased risk when crossing streets or walking in crowded areas like downtown Grand Rapids or local malls

  • Fluctuating vision

    • Vision may be clear one day and worse the next.
    • Fatigue, stress, or illness can make symptoms more noticeable.

  • Eye movement problems

    • Jittery or flickering eye movements (nystagmus)
    • Difficulty keeping the eyes steady on a target
    • Problems tracking moving objects (for example, while driving or watching traffic)

  • Strabismus (squint)

    • The eyes are not aligned properly; one eye may turn inward, outward, up, or down.

  • Visual neglect (inattention)

    • The person is not aware that part of their visual world is missing.
    • They may ignore food on one side of the plate, shave only one side of the face, or bump into objects on one side without realizing why.
    • This is known as visual neglect and is especially dangerous for independent mobility.

Symptoms of Neurological Vision Loss

Symptoms can vary widely. In Grand Rapids, people often first notice problems while driving, walking in winter conditions, or navigating busy environments like hospital corridors or downtown streets.

Common symptoms include:

  • Blurry or hazy vision
  • Double vision (seeing one object as two)
  • Colliding with obstacles, people, or door frames
  • Problems with balance or depth perception (misjudging steps, curbs, or icy patches)
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to bright light, snow glare, or bright winter sun)
  • Difficulty recognizing faces or objects
  • Trouble reading, especially losing track of words or lines
  • Difficulty understanding what is being seen, even when the eyes are healthy
  • Feeling disoriented in new places (for example, navigating large hospitals like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital)

If you or a family member in Grand Rapids notices these signs after a stroke, head injury, or infection, seek medical care promptly.

How Neurological Vision Loss Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Diagnosis usually involves a team approach and may include:

  • Primary care provider (PCP) or family doctor

    • First point of contact, often through local clinics or health systems like Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

  • Ophthalmologist or optometrist (vision specialist)

    • Checks the health of the eyes and measures visual acuity and visual fields.

  • Neurologist

    • Evaluates the brain and nervous system.
    • May order imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans at local hospitals.

  • Rehabilitation specialist

    • Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors and therapists at Grand Rapids rehab centers help assess how vision loss affects daily activities and mobility.

Local resources such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also help connect patients with vision and rehabilitation services.

Treatment and Management of Neurological Vision Loss

There is no single cure for neurological vision loss, because the problem lies in the brain. However, many people in Grand Rapids can significantly improve their safety and independence with the right treatment and rehabilitation.

1. Treating the Underlying Brain Condition

Whenever possible, doctors focus on the cause:

  • Managing stroke risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking)
  • Treating brain tumors or infections
  • Managing multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases
  • Supporting recovery after traumatic brain injury

As the brain heals, some vision may return or improve, especially in children and younger adults.

2. Managing Double Vision (Diplopia)

For people experiencing double vision:

  • Eye patching
    • Covering one eye may help relieve double vision temporarily.
  • Prism lenses
    • Special lenses can sometimes help align the images seen by each eye.
  • Eye movement therapy
    • Vision therapy or neuro-optometric rehabilitation may be recommended.

3. Improving Visual Clarity and Comfort

To make the most of remaining vision:

  • Use large-print books, labels, and materials.
  • Write with a thick black pen on a white background to improve contrast.
  • Increase magnification with hand-held magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, or large screens.
  • Ensure good lighting that is bright but not glaring—especially important during dark Michigan winters.
  • Use tinted lenses or hats with brims outdoors to reduce snow glare and bright sun.

4. Adapting to Visual Field Loss

People with hemianopia or other visual field defects can learn strategies to move more safely:

  • Scanning techniques
    • Training to move the eyes and head back and forth to “scan” the environment and check blind areas.
  • Mobility training
    • Learning how to walk safely on different surfaces (snow, ice, curbs, stairs, uneven sidewalks).
    • Practicing crossing streets, navigating bus stops, and using public transportation in the Grand Rapids area.
  • Home safety modifications
    • Removing trip hazards, improving lighting, and placing important items in visible areas.

Mobility and Rehabilitation Services in Michigan

While the original article referenced an “Acquired Brain Injury Mobility Service” through Guide Dogs, similar services are available throughout Michigan, including options accessible from Grand Rapids.

What Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Programs Typically Provide

Programs offered by Michigan-based rehabilitation and vision services may include:

  • A specialized assessment of:

    • Visual field loss and visual clarity
    • Independent travel skills and safety
    • Ability to walk confidently on different surfaces (snow, ice, uneven ground)
    • Use of public transportation (The Rapid bus system, GO!Bus, etc.)
    • Need for mobility aids such as canes or walking poles

  • Goal setting

    • Establishing realistic mobility and independence goals tailored to the person’s lifestyle in Grand Rapids (work, school, driving, community activities).

  • Training and education

    • Teaching scanning and orientation skills
    • Training family members and caregivers on how to support safe mobility
    • Explaining how neurological vision loss affects daily life and what to expect over time

  • Support for families and caregivers

    • Counseling, education, and practical tips to manage at home and in the community.

Some programs may offer residential or intensive training options, while others provide outpatient or in-home services. Your medical team in Grand Rapids can help you find local or statewide programs that fit your needs.

Living With Neurological Vision Loss in Grand Rapids

With the right support, many people with neurological vision loss continue to live active, independent lives in West Michigan. Helpful strategies include:

  • Planning routes that avoid poorly lit or uneven sidewalks, especially in winter
  • Allowing extra time to navigate busy places like hospitals, malls, or downtown events
  • Using public transportation or ride services if driving is no longer safe
  • Joining local or online support groups for stroke or brain injury survivors
  • Working with occupational therapists and vision rehabilitation specialists to adapt work, school, and home tasks

When to Seek Help

Contact a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids right away if you or a loved one experiences:

  • Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
  • New double vision
  • Sudden trouble seeing on one side
  • Severe headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble speaking (possible stroke)
  • Vision changes after a head injury, fall, or car crash

These could be medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital).

Local and Statewide Resources for Grand Rapids Residents

If you are dealing with neurological vision loss in Grand Rapids, consider reaching out to:

  • Your primary care doctor (GP/family physician)
  • Vision specialists
    • Ophthalmologists and optometrists
  • Neurologists
  • Rehabilitation specialists
    • Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors
    • Occupational therapists
    • Physical therapists
    • Vision rehabilitation therapists

Additional helpful resources:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on local health services and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – community programs and support
  • Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) – statewide services for people with significant vision loss
  • Local brain injury and stroke support groups – often coordinated through Grand Rapids hospitals and rehabilitation centers

Ask your healthcare team for updated contact details and specific recommendations tailored to your situation.

Key Points About Neurological Vision Loss in Grand Rapids

  • Neurological vision loss (ABI VI) is caused by damage to the brain, not the eyes.
  • Common causes in West Michigan include stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, lack of oxygen, and infections such as meningitis.
  • One of the most frequent patterns of vision loss after brain injury is homonymous hemianopia, where half of the visual field in each eye is missing.
  • Symptoms may include blurry or double vision, visual field loss, difficulty with balance and depth perception, and problems recognizing or interpreting what is seen.
  • Treatment focuses on managing the underlying brain condition and maximizing remaining vision through rehabilitation, scanning techniques, mobility training, and environmental adaptations.
  • Grand Rapids residents can access care through local hospitals, vision specialists, neurologists, rehabilitation services, and Michigan-based vision rehabilitation programs.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are experiencing changes in your vision after a brain injury or neurological condition, talk with your doctor or eye specialist as soon as possible. Early assessment and rehabilitation can greatly improve safety, independence, and quality of life.