Peripheral Vision Loss: What Could It Mean for Your Eye Health?

Peripheral vision loss, also called tunnel vision, means losing the ability to see objects or movement outside of your direct line of sight. Typically, this is the inability to see from your outer, side vision without turning your head while your central vision remains intact. Several eye diseases and conditions are associated with peripheral vision loss including glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuropathy, stroke or brain injury, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment or neurological conditions like pituitary tumors or multiple sclerosis that can affect the visual pathways in the brain, leading to tunnel vision or loss of peripheral sight. 

The leading cause of peripheral vision loss is glaucoma which is often caused by increased pressure in the eye. Peripheral vision loss is typically the first symptom of optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma. Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition that causes degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, leading to a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Optic neuropathy results from optic nerve damage that may be caused by an injury, inflammation or poor blood flow. Damage to the brain that processes visual information, especially if a stroke affects the visual cortex or optic pathways, could cause loss of peripheral vision. In advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy affects the retina’s ability to function properly leading to peripheral vision loss. Retinal detachments can cause peripheral vision loss when the retina separates from the back of the eye, often accompanied by flashes of light or floaters. 

Early detection is important because peripheral vision loss can progress and lead to more severe vision impairment if left untreated. A comprehensive eye exam will consist of several tests to diagnose the underlying cause and assess the extent of vision loss. Some of these include visual field testing, optic nerve imaging, tonometry (measure of pressure inside the eye), pupil dilation, visual acuity test and, if the eye tests do not reveal the cause of peripheral vision loss, neurological testing like an MRI or CT scan may be necessary to check for conditions affecting the brain, optic nerve or visual pathways. 

In many cases, while peripheral vision loss may not be fully restored, treatments can help preserve the remaining vision or improve quality of life through visual aids or surgery. Routine exams provide an opportunity for early intervention to avoid peripheral vision loss or to prevent further damage once experiencing symptoms. 
Don’t delay prioritizing your eye health, call Skyline Vision Clinic today at 719-630-3937. To learn more about peripheral vision loss and what it could mean for your eye health, visit WEBSITE.