Tunnel vision, or peripheral vision loss, significantly impacts how you navigate the world. Understanding its causes and symptoms is vital for effective treatment.
Tunnel vision, also known as peripheral vision loss, is a condition where your field of vision narrows, leaving you able to see only what is directly ahead. This change in vision can be temporary or, in some cases, permanent, and it affects your day-to-day ability to navigate and interact with your surroundings. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is essential for anyone experiencing this vision change.
Tunnel vision is the loss of peripheral vision that creates a narrow tunnel-like field of view. Your central vision remains clear while the peripheral parts of what you see gradually or suddenly fade away, making it feel like you are looking through a long, narrow tube. This condition can vary from mild constriction to a severe loss where nearly all side vision is missing.
Our eyes work by using two types of light-sensitive cells in the retina: rods and cones. Cones, concentrated in the macula, are responsible for detailed color vision in the center of our gaze; rods, which occupy the outer parts of the retina, play a key role in peripheral and low-light vision. When the function of the rods is compromised, whether through disease or injury, the ability to see out of the side of your eyes is diminished, resulting in tunnel vision.
Your visual field is made up of two distinct parts. The central vision, which is the area you focus on directly when looking at objects, provides clarity and detail, while your peripheral vision captures the areas on the edges of your sight without you having to move your eyes. Maintaining a healthy balance between these two aspects of vision is crucial for everyday tasks such as driving, reading, and walking in crowded places. When peripheral vision is impaired, important cues about your environment may be missed, leading to difficulties in orientation and mobility.
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and address any changes in your vision.
People experiencing tunnel vision often notice that objects to the side of their central gaze become blurred or vanish altogether. This loss of side vision can lead to practical daily challenges and safety concerns. Here are some common symptoms that can occur:
Several conditions can lead to tunnel vision, some of which are related to issues within the eye while others involve the broader nervous system or circulatory system. It is important to understand these causes so you can work with our eye doctors to pinpoint and treat the underlying issue.
Certain eye diseases directly affect the structures that control peripheral vision. Some of the most common include:
Other health conditions can indirectly affect peripheral vision by impairing the structures that support sight. Such causes include:
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and address any changes in your vision.
Tunnel vision, a form of peripheral vision loss, impacts daily life. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
