Understanding Loss of Peripheral Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Example of lost peripheral vision

Peripheral vision plays an important role in our everyday life. It extends beyond the central gaze, capturing motion, spatial information, and objects on the sidelines without direct focus. While not as detailed as central vision, it contributes significantly to our overall awareness of our surroundings. Unfortunately, many conditions and incidents, ranging from eye injuries to neurological issues, can compromise this peripheral vision. 

What is Peripheral Vision?

Peripheral vision is the part of our vision that occurs outside the very center of our gaze, allowing us to detect objects and movement outside our direct line of sight. It enables us to perceive objects, movement, and spatial information at the sides without directly looking at them. It’s less detailed than central vision, but it provides a broad awareness of our surroundings and is particularly sensitive to motion.

Peripheral Vision Loss Symptoms and Detection

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Vision Loss

Peripheral vision loss often presents as a narrowing of your visual field, commonly described as "tunnel vision." Other signs and symptoms may include difficulty seeing in low light or at night, trouble navigating while walking, stumbling over objects, or not seeing objects at your sides when looking straight ahead. It's also common to miss seeing things coming from the side, like cars or pedestrians. Some people may not notice these changes until they become severe due to the gradual progression of many conditions causing peripheral vision loss.

Noticing a loss in your peripheral vision? Book a comprehensive eye exam with Della Optique today.

Causes of a Loss of Peripheral Vision

Peripheral vision loss can be attributed to many different factors, ranging in severity. It can be temporary or permanent, and happen gradually, or suddenly. 

Temporary Loss of Peripheral Vision in One or Both Eyes

Don’t panic, peripheral vision loss can be temporary. Temporary peripheral vision loss, often referred to as "tunnel vision," may occur in one or both eyes. It is often associated with extreme stress, panic attacks, migraines, low blood pressure, or exposure to high altitude. The temporary nature of this condition typically means the vision loss is reversible, and normal vision returns once the underlying cause is addressed.

What Causes Sudden Peripheral Vision Loss?

Sudden loss of peripheral vision may be caused by various forms of eye injuries or trauma, including blunt force trauma, penetration wounds, or exposure to harmful chemicals or light. These injuries can damage the retina — a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes light — or the optic nerve, which transmits visual information to the brain. This disruption can result in an abrupt decrease or loss of peripheral vision.

Migraines, specifically ocular or retinal migraines, can cause sudden temporary loss of vision, including peripheral vision, usually in one eye. This can last anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour. An ocular migraine is often followed or accompanied by a headache. These migraines are usually harmless and temporary, but if they occur frequently or are severe, it's advised to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

What Conditions Affect Your Peripheral Vision?

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, crucial for good vision. This often happens due to abnormally high pressure in your eye, which can gradually reduce peripheral vision, giving the sensation of looking through a tube.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

This group of rare, genetic disorders involves a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye. Initial symptoms include decreased night vision and loss of peripheral vision, progressing over time to more widespread vision loss.

Stroke

A stroke can disrupt the flow of blood to the part of the brain that processes visual information, leading to vision changes. Depending on which area is affected, it may cause a loss of half the field of view on the same side in both eyes.

Retinal Detachment

In this emergency condition, the retina detaches from its normal position. Symptoms often include a sudden reduction in peripheral vision, flashes of light, and floaters or spots.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes retinopathy results from damage to the blood vessels of the retina from diabetes. Over time, these blood vessels can bleed or leak fluid, distorting vision. In its advanced stages, it can lead to a significant loss of peripheral vision.

Eye Occlusions or Blockages

Sudden blockages in the arteries or veins supplying blood to the retina can cause sudden loss of vision, including peripheral vision. This can occur due to conditions like blood clots or arteriosclerosis.

Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, often linked to autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis. It can cause symptoms including blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, and pain, especially with eye movement.

Hypoperfusion or Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to the eye can starve the retina of necessary oxygen and nutrients, leading to sudden vision loss. This can occur due to systemic conditions like low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or severe dehydration

Temporal Arteritis

This condition involves inflammation of the arteries in the head, particularly those in the temples. If left untreated, the reduced blood flow can cause sudden, permanent vision loss, usually in one eye, but sometimes in both.

What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss in Older Adults?

Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are the most common causes of peripheral vision loss in older adults. These conditions lead to damage to the retina or optic nerve, resulting in a gradual decrease in peripheral vision.

Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision but can affect peripheral vision in advanced stages. Glaucoma, on the other hand, initially affects peripheral vision and can progress to total vision loss if left untreated.

Neurological Causes of Loss of Peripheral Vision

Peripheral vision loss can also have neurological causes. These are typically conditions that affect the brain, optic nerve, or the visual pathways connecting them. Stroke, brain injuries, brain tumors, or neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease can all affect the brain's ability to process peripheral visual information. This may lead to hemianopsia (loss of half the field of vision) or quadrantanopia (loss of a quarter of the field of vision), depending on the specific area of the brain that is damaged.

Diagnosis Through Visual Field Tests

Peripheral vision loss is usually diagnosed through a procedure called a visual field test. This test measures the full horizontal and vertical range of what you can see peripherally without moving your eyes. During this test, you'll be asked to look straight ahead while lights flash on various parts of your peripheral vision. When you see a light, you press a button. This process helps map the visual fields of each eye and can identify blind spots or areas of reduced vision.

Eye exams include these visual field tests and can help detect these conditions early, before significant vision loss occurs. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, which can slow the progression of vision loss and in some cases, prevent it altogether. 

Treatment Options

Medical Treatments for Specific Conditions

The treatment for peripheral vision loss largely depends on the underlying cause. For instance, glaucoma is often managed with eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Retinitis pigmentosa, currently has no cure, but vitamin A therapy may slow its progression. Conditions such as retinal detachment require urgent surgical intervention. If peripheral vision loss is due to stroke or a brain tumor, then treatment might involve medications, surgery, or therapies specific to those conditions.

Corrective Lenses and Visual Aids

Corrective lenses specifically designed to expand the field of vision can be used in some cases to enhance peripheral vision. These prism lenses work by shifting images from the blind spot to an area of the retina that still has functioning cells. Additionally, certain visual aids and adaptive devices such as special mirrors and lens filters can help individuals with peripheral vision loss navigate their environment more effectively.

Rehabilitation and Vision Training

Vision rehabilitation can be employed to help individuals cope with peripheral vision loss. This may include scanning techniques to help observe the entire environment, strategies for organizing and labeling items, and techniques for enhancing contrast when viewing objects. In some cases, vision therapy may be recommended, which includes specific exercises designed to improve visual skills and function. These can include eye movement exercises and activities to improve visual recognition. 

Protect Your Eyes with Prevention and Lifestyle Considerations

While not all causes of peripheral vision loss are preventable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain overall eye health and minimize risk factors.

• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and good blood circulation, both of which are essential for eye health.

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help protect your vision. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might be beneficial for eye health.

• Eye Protection: Protect your eyes from injuries by wearing appropriate safety glasses or goggles during activities that pose a risk of eye injuries, such as sports, gardening, or DIY projects. Also, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors.

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of several eye diseases that can lead to peripheral vision loss, including macular degeneration and cataracts.

• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to higher risks of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which can impact peripheral vision.

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to eye problems if not well-managed. Yearly check-ups and adherence to treatment can help prevent vision loss.

Yearly eye exams allow for early detection of eye diseases. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chance of successful treatment and preserving vision. If you notice any changes in your vision, seek prompt medical attention. Don't ignore subtle vision changes, as these can be the first signs of a condition, which can lead to irreversible peripheral vision loss if not treated promptly.

Schedule an eye exam with our expert team at Della Optique today to ensure your eyes are in optimal condition.

Remember, prevention is key, and your lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on your eye health. Aim to lead a healthy lifestyle and have your eyes checked yearly.