Peripheral vision loss, often referred to as 'tunnel vision', can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Our skilled retina specialists are here to diagnose and manage retinal conditions affecting your vision, ensuring you receive the best care available.
Peripheral vision loss, or “tunnel vision,” means your side vision becomes limited, so you see mostly what’s straight ahead. In advanced cases, it can feel like looking through a narrow tunnel. Tunnel vision most often starts when disease affects the retina or the optic nerve, and problems anywhere along the brain’s visual pathway can also cause it. Our retina specialists recommend early detection and regular eye exams to keep your retina healthy.
When you lose side vision, things like driving, walking safely, or reading get harder. Noticing these changes early helps you protect your sight and your quality of life.
The retina plays a central role in your ability to see objects to the side, sense motion, and navigate your surroundings.
The retina contains two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones. Rods are spread throughout the peripheral retina (everywhere outside the very center) and are crucial for night vision and detecting movement. Cones are concentrated in the center and are responsible for sharp detail and color vision.
When rods or the surrounding retinal tissue are damaged, your side vision can shrink, leading to what’s known as “tunnel vision.” Peripheral vision loss can occur gradually or suddenly, and may affect one or both eyes.
The underlying cause of side vision loss depends on the type of retinal problem. Eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and retinal detachment can injure the peripheral retina. Glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve rather than the retina, is another common cause of tunnel vision.
Peripheral vision loss may go unnoticed at first, but it can greatly affect your safety and daily activities. Early detection and diagnosis by a retina specialist are important for identifying the cause and exploring treatment options.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited eye disease that causes the photoreceptor cells in the retina to break down over time. People with RP usually notice trouble seeing at night or in dim light first, followed by a slow loss of side vision. As the rods in the retina degenerate, your field of vision narrows, leaving only central vision, what’s known as tunnel vision.
Common signs of RP include:
RP is diagnosed through a detailed eye exam. Our retina specialist look for pigment changes in the retina and may use Electroretinography (ERG) to test how well your retinal cells work. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides detailed images of the retina. Genetic testing is important, too, because RP can be caused by changes in more than 100 different genes. Knowing the genetic cause can guide future treatment.
There’s still no cure for RP, but an FDA-approved gene therapy (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl, Luxturna) is available for patients with biallelic RPE65 mutations, and additional gene-replacement trials are ongoing. Other new treatments, such as retinal implants, optogenetics, and cell therapies, are also under study and may help manage RP in the future. Retina specialists help patients understand their options and work to slow the disease and protect remaining vision.
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It happens when the retina pulls away from the tissue beneath it, disrupting its nourishment. Without prompt treatment, this can cause permanent damage to the cells that help you see. The first sign is often a shadow or “curtain” in your side vision. Other symptoms can come on quickly, such as:
Fast diagnosis is crucial. During an eye exam, specialists use special lenses to look at your retina. OCT or ultrasound may help if floaters or bleeding make it hard to see. Surgery is usually needed and can include:
Even with surgery, some vision loss may be permanent, especially if the macula is affected. That’s why it’s important to seek care right away if you notice any warning signs.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a serious eye problem caused by high blood sugar over time. High sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to leaks, swelling, and the growth of abnormal new vessels. While DR often affects central vision, it can also cause peripheral vision loss, especially if new vessels bleed or scar tissue pulls on the retina, sometimes causing a retinal detachment.
You might not notice vision changes early on, which is why regular eye exams are important for anyone with diabetes. As DR gets worse, you may notice:
To check for DR, doctors use dilated eye exams, special scans (OCT), and tests to look at blood vessels (fluorescein angiography). Treatment focuses on preventing further vision loss. Options include:
Managing DR is about more than just eye care. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control helps protect your vision and slow the disease. Our retina specialists work with you to manage both your eyes and your overall health.
Retinal vascular occlusions, sometimes called “eye strokes”, happen when blood flow to the retina is blocked. This cuts off oxygen and usually causes sudden, painless vision loss (often central and sometimes affecting the whole field), along with blind spots or distorted vision. There are two main types:
RVO may improve with treatments that target swelling, such as anti-VEGF injections or steroids. RAO, especially CRAO, has few proven treatments. The main focus is on managing vascular risk factors. Because RAO can signal a risk for stroke or other systemic problems, immediate medical evaluation is essential.
Certain vision changes signal an emergency and require prompt care to protect your sight.
If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, see flashing lights, or both together, this could signal a retinal tear or detachment. Do not wait, seek immediate help.
A dark area or a “curtain” moving across your vision, from any direction, is a warning sign of serious retinal problems. This symptom should always be treated as an emergency.
Losing vision suddenly and without pain in one or both eyes is never normal. Quick action can make the difference in saving your sight.
If your peripheral vision suddenly narrows or disappears, it may be a sign of acute retinal or neurological issues. Get medical attention right away.
When straight lines look bent or your vision seems warped, this usually signals a problem with the macula, the central part of the retina. Fast evaluation is critical for the best outcome.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your retina clinic or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent vision loss.
Genetics can play a significant role in your risk of developing certain retinal conditions. If you have a close relative with a history of retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, or other inherited retinal dystrophies, you may be at an increased risk. It is important to share your family's medical history with our retina specialist during your examination.
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, and even the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. This damage can result in a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
A direct injury to the eye can cause a retinal tear or detachment, leading to a sudden loss of peripheral vision. Even if an injury seems minor at first, it's crucial to have a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any damage to the retina. Prompt treatment can often prevent permanent vision loss.
People who are very nearsighted have a longer eyeball shape, which can cause the retina to be stretched and thinner than normal. This thinning of the retina makes it more susceptible to tears and detachment, which are significant causes of peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are especially important for those with high myopia.
While not a direct cause, advancing age is a risk factor for several eye conditions that can lead to peripheral vision loss. The vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, can shrink and pull on the retina, leading to tears. Age is also a risk factor for conditions like retinal vein occlusion.
Peripheral vision loss often develops slowly, so you may not notice a problem until damage has already occurred. Early detection is important for protecting your vision and improving treatment.
A thorough eye exam helps spot small changes before they become serious. This is especially important if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of retinal disease.
When your pupils are dilated, the specialist can examine the retina more closely. This helps reveal early signs of damage that might be missed otherwise.
This test measures how much side vision you’ve lost and can find issues you might not notice day to day. It also helps doctors figure out what’s causing the problem.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT scans give detailed images of the retina, showing the health and thickness of its layers. This helps detect early or hidden damage.
With a special dye, this test highlights blood flow in the retina. It shows leaks or areas with poor circulation.
ERG tests how well your retina’s cells are working by measuring their electrical signals. It’s useful for diagnosing different retinal diseases.
If you're experiencing symptoms of peripheral vision loss, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced retina specialists. They’ll provide personalized care and guidance to protect your eyesight. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through Specialty Vision today!
If you have an inherited retinal disorder, genetic testing can pinpoint the exact mutation. This information may help guide treatment as new therapies are developed.
Peripheral vision loss can make everyday tasks much harder. You may have trouble moving through crowded areas or new places. Many people feel isolated or anxious about doing things they used to take for granted.
Although lost vision can’t always be restored, tools and simple changes at home or work can help you make the most of what you have. Examples include:
Many centers offer rehab programs, including occupational therapy and mobility training. These services can help you stay confident and independent as you adjust to changes in your vision.
Exciting advances in retinal care are opening up new possibilities for patients with tunnel vision and peripheral vision loss.
Gene therapy is now being tested for more types of inherited retinal disease. The goal is to slow down vision loss or even restore some sight by targeting specific genetic changes.
Optogenetics is a technique that makes some remaining retinal cells respond to light. This may help people with advanced retinal disease regain some vision, even if their photoreceptors are badly damaged.
Researchers are working on stem cell treatments that could repair or replace damaged retina cells. This approach may eventually help restore vision in some retinal diseases.
New types of retinal implants and prosthetics are in development. These devices stimulate remaining retinal cells and may provide limited visual cues, such as light perception or basic shapes, for people with advanced vision loss.
Researchers are also studying new drugs, both pills and injections, that may slow down or reverse retinal damage, aiming to protect vision and limit further loss.
Taking part in a clinical trial can give you access to the latest treatments before they are widely available. Our retina specialists can help you find out if there’s a clinical trial that fits your needs.
Whether peripheral vision loss can be reversed depends on the underlying cause. In cases of a retinal detachment that is treated promptly, some or all of the peripheral vision may be restored. However, for progressive conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, the vision loss is typically permanent. Early intervention can help to preserve the remaining vision.
Driving with peripheral vision loss can be dangerous, as it impairs your ability to see hazards, pedestrians, and other vehicles to your sides. The laws regarding driving with vision loss vary by state, and it is important to have your vision tested by our retina specialist to determine if you meet the legal requirements for driving. We can provide guidance and resources on this matter.
There are several steps you can take to improve safety in your home if you have peripheral vision loss. These include ensuring good lighting in all rooms, keeping pathways clear of clutter, and using contrasting colors to make objects and furniture more visible. Our team can provide you with additional tips and resources for home modifications.
While some retinal conditions that cause peripheral vision loss can progress and affect central vision over time, many individuals with tunnel vision retain their central vision for many years. Regular monitoring by our retina specialist is crucial to track the progression of your condition and implement strategies to preserve your sight for as long as possible.
Yes, there are a variety of low vision aids and technologies that can help individuals with peripheral vision loss. These can include special prism lenses that expand the field of vision, electronic devices that provide auditory or tactile cues about the environment, and mobility training to learn how to navigate safely with a cane. We can refer you to a low vision specialist for a consultation.
If you're experiencing symptoms of peripheral vision loss, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced retina specialists. They’ll provide personalized care and guidance to protect your eyesight. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through Specialty Vision today!
Discover how peripheral vision loss affects your eyesight and explore treatment options with retina specialists listed on Specialty Vision.
