What is peripheral vision loss?
Peripheral vision loss, often called tunnel vision or loss of side vision, happens when you can only see objects directly in front of you. You may also gradually notice difficulty seeing objects at the outermost angles of your vision, which may worsen over time.
Peripheral vision defines your ability to see things to the side or out of the “corner of your eye.” Many medical conditions, eye diseases, and even eye injuries can inhibit your peripheral vision.
This often-serious visual impairment can create challenges in daily activities, affecting your overall orientation, mobility, and nighttime vision.
What are the symptoms of peripheral vision loss?
Symptoms of peripheral vision loss (PVL) include:
- bumping into objects
- falling
- struggling to navigate crowded spaces
- difficulty seeing in the dark (night blindness)
- trouble driving
Do the symptoms of peripheral vision loss appear quickly or more slowly over time?
Symptoms can appear slowly or quickly, depending on the individual patient. Whenever you notice symptoms, it is important to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, especially if you notice a sudden peripheral vision loss in both eyes or a sudden loss of peripheral vision in one eye.
Depending on the cause, peripheral vision loss can start our minor and then progress to total vision loss.
What causes peripheral vision loss?
There are many possible causes of peripheral vision loss, many of them medical conditions. It is crucial to seek treatment promptly, as restoring lost vision is often impossible but early treatment may help prevent further vision deterioration. Some common causes of decreased peripheral vision include:
Compressive Optic Neuropathy (CON)
CON is a condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged due to compression by surrounding structures such as tumors, aneurysms, or bone growths. This compression can lead to a range of visual disturbances, including reduced peripheral vision, decreased color vision, and even blindness in severe cases.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by unmanaged high blood sugar in diabetic patients. High blood glucose levels can inflame or damage blood vessels in the eye, resulting in low vision or complete blindness.
Genetics
Certain inherited genetic disorders can lead to peripheral vision loss, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. These conditions affect the function of the retina.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when your eye pressure buildup puts pressure on the optic nerve, irreparably damaging your vision. In order to slow or prevent further vision loss, glaucoma must be treated as early as possible.
Migraine
Luckily, vision changes from migraines are usually temporary. However, an estimated 25-30% of migraine sufferers experience vision changes — including peripheral vision loss — as a side effect of migraine with aura.
Rarer ocular migraines (more commonly called retinal migraines) cause short bouts of decreased vision or blindness in one eye. If you’re experiencing vision changes in only one eye, you should see an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or other healthcare provider ASAP.
Optic nerve atrophy
The optic nerve carries visual information from the retina to the brain, and when the optic nerve is damaged or atrophied, it can result in a range of vision problems, including peripheral vision loss.
Optic neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It can cause a range of visual symptoms, including blurry vision, color desaturation, and loss of vision in one eye. Peripheral vision loss can be a symptom of optic neuritis, but it is not a common one.
Papilledema
Papilledema is a condition where the optic disc swells due to increased intracranial pressure. This increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can result in visual disturbances such as blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and peripheral vision loss.
The degree of visual impairment depends on the severity and duration of the papilledema. Sometimes peripheral vision loss may be the first and only symptom of papilledema. It is critically important to see an ophthalmologist or a neurologist to get a comprehensive eye exam if you experience any visual changes, as papilledema can be a sign of serious underlying causes such as brain tumors or intracranial hypertension.
Retinal detachment
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and sends visual information to the brain. Sometimes — often due to eye damage — the retina becomes detached from its support tissue.
Symptoms of a detached retina can include the appearance of floaters or flashes of light, a sudden decrease in vision, and a decreased field of vision. Loss of peripheral vision from retinal detachment may be described as a “curtain” or “shadow” that seems to be moving in from the edges of the visual field.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition that causes gradual peripheral vision loss, night vision problems, and central vision loss as the retina deteriorates. While there is no cure, early diagnosis may help you prepare for vision loss.
Stroke and head trauma
Peripheral vision loss after a stroke or traumatic brain injury can cause permanent vision loss on one side of each eye due to brain damage. The eyes function properly, but the brain can’t process the visual input. A stroke may also cause a scotoma (a blind spot in the field of vision).
Is peripheral vision loss temporary or permanent?
Peripheral vision loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying condition. Again, if you notice a sudden loss of peripheral vision in one eye or both, it is critically important to see an ophthalmologist immediately.
Can peripheral vision loss be fixed?
In many cases, restoring lost peripheral vision may not be possible.
What can be done to prevent peripheral vision loss?
Regular visits to an eye doctor can help diagnose conditions that might cause permanent vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you visit a doctor by the age of 40 to get tested for various eye conditions to prevent the development of unwanted symptoms like PVL.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help you adapt to peripheral vision loss and suggest treatments for the underlying condition to slow vision deterioration.
It is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately if you notice peripheral vision loss and maintain regular check-ups to monitor potential conditions that may impact your vision. Early detection and treatment may help prevent significant vision loss.
How to cope with vision loss?
Coping with vision loss, including peripheral vision loss (PVL), can be challenging, but taking a proactive approach and maintaining a positive attitude can help you adapt to the changes. Here are some strategies for living with vision loss:
- Consult your doctor. Talking to your healthcare professional about treatment options, strategies, and resources to adjust to life with vision loss can be very helpful.
- Seek support from loved ones. Share your experiences with family and friends, and allow them to provide emotional and practical support.
- Prioritize self-care. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in stress-reducing activities to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Adapt your living space. Make adjustments to your home and work environments to enhance safety and navigation, such as installing grab bars, removing clutter, and rearranging furniture to minimize obstacles.
- Improve your lighting. Add extra light sources to dimly lit areas in your home to facilitate better visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Seek professional mental health help and peer support. Please talk to a counselor or join a support group for people with vision loss to share experiences, exchange advice, and develop coping strategies.
By implementing these tips and focusing on your abilities, you can successfully adapt to life with vision loss and continue to enjoy a fulfilling and independent lifestyle.
Why trust your eyesight to Assil Gaur Eye Institute?
The Assil Gaur Eye Institute has assembled a team of top ophthalmology specialists from around the country who continue AGEI’s tradition of offering patients the highest quality of specialist eye care in the United States. In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our doctors have managed to keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.
Today, the Assil Gaur Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of its patients and community.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
She received her Doctorate degree in Optometry at the age of 23 and during her graduate training, Dr. Z also served as a research associate. Her research was presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in 2012.
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