Visual Field Defect Treatment in India

Pooja Bhatia, a 42-year-old graphic designer...

Pooja Bhatia, a 42-year-old graphic designer and mother of two, had always prided herself on her sharp eye for detail. Over several months, she began noticing subtle but persistent 'gaps' in her vision, especially when working on her computer. She would miss parts of text or elements in her designs, initially blaming eye strain. It became alarming when she nearly tripped over her son's toy, not seeing it in her lower left periphery. Her optometrist referred her to an ophthalmologist. The doctor, suspecting a neurological cause like a pituitary tumor pressing on the optic chiasm, recommended a formal Visual Field Test. Pooja found the test tedious and anxiety-inducing, sitting in the dark dome, clicking a button whenever she saw tiny flashes of light, constantly worried she was missing them. The test confirmed a significant bitemporal hemianopia. This led to an MRI, which diagnosed a benign pituitary adenoma. Post-diagnosis, Pooja felt a terrifying mix of fear ('brain tumor') and relief (having an answer). She underwent successful transsphenoidal surgery. While her visual field did not fully recover, it stabilized. With occupational therapy, she learned compensatory scanning techniques. Emotionally, she moved from fear and grief over a potential career loss to resilient adaptation. She returned to work, using software zoom functions and conscious scanning, feeling empowered by managing her condition and cherishing her sight more deeply.