Tunnel vision is a serious visual impairment often arising from strokes, concussions, or head injuries. Our dedicated team is here to provide neuro-optometric rehabilitation to help restore your vision.
Tunnel vision after a stroke, concussion, or head injury is a focused or narrowed visual field that limits the ability to see objects or movement outside the central area of vision. This condition arises when neurological damage from these events affects the visual processing centers in the brain, altering how visual information is received and processed. Understanding these changes is essential for addressing safety concerns, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
Tunnel vision refers to the loss of peripheral vision with a remaining central clarity, meaning that the patient sees primarily in the center, with decreased awareness of what happens on the sides. When a stroke, head injury, or concussion disrupts the brain’s complex network responsible for processing visual cues, a person may experience this visual restriction. The effect is as if one is looking through a narrow tube, relying solely on the central portion while the surrounding details fade away or go entirely unseen.
The brain is a highly intricate organ where visual processing involves multiple regions working together. When these regions are compromised either by a stroke, concussion, or head injury, the communication between the eyes and the brain becomes less efficient, sometimes resulting in tunnel vision. Here’s how each condition can contribute:
Each of these events can alter the brain’s capacity to interpret the full span of visual stimuli, leading to the distressing experience of tunnel vision.
Don't let tunnel vision limit your life. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards improved visual function.
Identifying tunnel vision early is critical for proper management and rehabilitation. Symptoms may seem subtle at first, but they can progressively interfere with daily activities. Some common signs include:
These symptoms not only signal a reduction in visual input but can also impact a person’s confidence and freedom to engage in everyday activities.
After a stroke, visual complications are not uncommon, with research suggesting that nearly two-thirds of stroke survivors experience some form of visual impairment. This impairment might include tunnel vision, where the peripheral visual field is significantly diminished. The location and severity of the brain damage generally determine the extent of vision loss, meaning that some patients may notice only a slight restriction while others could face profound visual deficits.
The brain’s visual processing centers are distributed throughout various lobes; therefore, if a stroke affects areas responsible for peripheral vision or spatial representation, the resulting tunnel vision can make simple tasks—like recognizing familiar faces or moving safely—challenging. Such difficulties underscore the importance of timely evaluation and rehabilitation to help regain visual function.
Because our brain controls so much more than just our sight, tunnel vision after a stroke may also be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as difficulties with balance, coordination, or even language. The interconnected nature of brain functions means that one deficit can influence several aspects of daily life.
Don't let tunnel vision limit your life. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards improved visual function.
Tunnel vision can significantly impact daily life. Our expert eye doctors provide comprehensive evaluations and tailored rehabilitation plans.
