What causes peripheral vision loss, what its symptoms are, and how it can be treated
Loss of peripheral vision can be a scary sign that can lower your quality of life. When you have peripheral vision, you can see things and people that are not in your line of sight. This part of your vision is very important for getting around, avoiding things, and staying aware of your surroundings.
Loss of peripheral vision can happen quickly or slowly, and it can happen in one or both eyes. It can be caused by many things, including eye diseases, brain diseases, and some medicines. Some of the most common signs of peripheral vision loss are tunnel vision, trouble seeing things on the edges or sides of your field of vision, and worsening night vision.
Main Points
- Losing your peripheral vision can make it harder to find your way around and stay aware of your surroundings.
- There are many things that can lead to peripheral vision loss, such as eye diseases, brain conditions, and some medicines.
- If you think you might be losing your peripheral vision, you should see a doctor right away to find out what’s wrong and get the right care.
Causes of Loss of Peripheral Vision
There are several things that could be causing your peripheral vision loss. Eye diseases and conditions, as well as brain issues, are some of the most common reasons why people lose their peripheral vision.
Conditions and diseases of the eyes
Glaucoma is one of the most common reasons people lose their other vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that vision loss on the periphery can be a sign of other eye health problems.Glaucoma is a disease that damages the visual nerve. It is usually caused by high eye pressure. This damage can make it hard to see around edges of things, among other things.
Retinitis pigmentosa is another eye disease that can make it hard to see around edges. The retina, which is the part of the eye that sees light, is affected by this rare genetic disease. Healthline says that this disease can lead to tunnel vision, a type of losing peripheral vision.
Another eye problem that can make it hard to see around edges is diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar hurts the blood vessels in the retina, which leads to this problem. Over time, this damage can make it hard to see, even to the edges of your field of vision.
Causes in the brain
In addition to eye diseases and conditions, nerve issues can also make it hard to see in the periphery. For example, a stroke can make it impossible to see out of one eye for good. This is since a stroke hurts one part of the brain. This kind of vision loss is neurological, meaning that your brain can’t properly handle what it sees.
Brain damage can also make it hard to see in the periphery. The website MedicalNewsToday.com has a story about peripheral vision loss. Medical News Today, damage to the occipital lobe of the brain, which processes visual information, can cause eye problems, such as loss of peripheral vision.
Finally, peripheral vision loss can be caused by many things, such as eye diseases and conditions and problems with the nerves. If you are losing your peripheral vision, you should see an eye doctor or other medical worker to get a correct diagnosis and the right care.
Tests and Diagnoses
It is important to see an eye doctor or ophthalmologist for a full eye test if you are having visual symptoms like losing your peripheral vision. The doctor will check your eye health, how well you can see, and how your eyes move during the test.
Full Eye Examination
During a full eye exam, a number of tests are usually done to check the health of your eyes and eyesight. Some of these tests are:
-
- The visual acuity test checks how well you can read lines on a chart when you are far away.
- Your prescription for glasses or contacts is found with a refraction test
- The slit-lamp test checks the health of the front of your eye.A retinal test checks the health of the back of your eye.
- Tonometry checks how much pressure is in your eyes
Testing in the Visual Field
A visual field test checks your ability to see things in the far distance. You will be asked to look straight ahead during the test while small flashes of light appear in your side vision. Every time you see a flash of light, you will be asked to press a button. Your doctor can use the results of this test to figure out where you are losing your sight.
If you are losing your peripheral vision, your doctor can figure out what’s wrong by giving you a full eye check and testing your visual field. Going to an eye doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible is important to find out what’s wrong and start the right treatment.
Taking care of and treating it
For people who have lost peripheral vision, there are a number of treatments that can help them deal with the problem. Different treatments may be available for you based on why you’re losing your sight. Loss of peripheral vision can sometimes only last a short time and get better with treatment.
Interventions in Medicine
The underlying problem that is causing your peripheral vision loss may be treated with medicine. For example, if glaucoma is making you lose your sight, your doctor may give you eye drops to lower the pressure in your eyes. Some medicines may also be given to help with other health problems that can lead to peripheral vision loss, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Procedures for Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be suggested to help people who are losing their peripheral vision. One example is if you’re losing your sight because of a cataract, you may need surgery to get rid of the cataract and get your sight back. Also, surgery might be suggested to treat other conditions that can lead to peripheral vision loss, like a brain tumor or a retinal tear.
Rehabilitation for vision
If you lose your peripheral vision for good, you may need vision therapy to help you get used to your new vision. This could mean wearing glasses or contacts to help improve the vision you still have. Prism glasses may also be given to you to help you see more clearly. As part of vision therapy, people may also learn how to deal with losing their sight and how to use tools to help them with daily tasks.
It is important to work together with your doctor to find the best ways to treat your unique situation. Taking steps to avoid situations that can lead to peripheral vision loss, like wearing protective eyewear and living a healthy life, can also lower your chances of losing your sight in the future.
Living with Vision Loss
Even though losing your peripheral vision can be hard, there are things you can do to get through the day and make your life better. If you are having problems, it is important to get help from mental health and medical experts.
It can be hard to deal with losing your sight, but know that you are not alone. You can get help from support groups and other tools to deal with your condition and improve your mental health. Also, make sure you stay active and do things you enjoy. This can help your mood and general health.
If you lose your peripheral vision, it can be hard to drive. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and the rules in your area. Some people may need to cut down on or stop driving altogether, but there are other ways to get around, like public transit or ride-sharing services.
It is important to be careful, like using extra lights and not driving at night if you can help it, because peripheral vision loss can also affect your night vision. You should also let other people know about your condition so that they can help you find your way when it’s dark.
If you’ve lost a lot of your peripheral vision, you might be legally blind. This might make it harder for you to get some services and perks, but there are tools out there to help you deal with these problems.
It can be hard to live with peripheral vision loss, but there are things you can do to adapt and make your life better. Talk to your doctor or a mental health worker for help. Stay active and do things you enjoy. Also, be careful when driving and at night. Don’t forget that you’re not alone and that there are people and places that can help you deal with your situation.
Questions People Ask
What are the brain conditions that can make it harder to see to the side?
A loss of side vision can be caused by a number of brain conditions. Brain tumors, strokes, and headaches are a few examples. Conditions like glaucoma, retinal separation, or retinitis pigmentosa can sometimes also make it impossible to see in the edges of your field of vision. It is important to see your doctor right away if you are having trouble seeing to the side.
How could someone suddenly lose their peripheral vision?
A lot of different things can cause rapid peripheral vision loss. Brain damage or a shock, a stroke, or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) can all cause it. Some medicines or drugs can also cause quick loss of peripheral vision. If you suddenly lose your peripheral vision, you should see a doctor right away.
What could be making my left eye lose its side vision?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to see sideways out of your left eye. Something called optic neuritis, which is a disease of the optic nerve, could be the cause. Glaucoma, eye detachment, or a brain tumor are some other things that could be the cause. If you notice any changes in your vision, you should see an eye doctor right away.
Are there any short-term diseases that could cause a temporary loss of peripheral vision?
There are short-term situations that can make it harder to see in the periphery. As an example, a migraine headache can make it hard to see, even if you only lose your peripheral vision for a short time. Low blood sugar or a sudden drop in blood pressure are two other possible reasons. As soon as your peripheral vision suddenly starts to fade, you should see a doctor right away.
What steps should be taken if your peripheral vision suddenly starts to fade?
As soon as your peripheral vision suddenly starts to fade, you should see a doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to figure out why you are losing your sight and suggest the best way to treat it. In some cases, getting help early can help keep people from losing their sight permanently.
What part of the eye keeps our side vision sharp, and how does that affect how clear things are?
The part of the eye that lets us see from the side is called the retina. Photoreceptor cells in the retina pick up light and send messages to the brain, which lets us see. If the retina is damaged, you may lose your peripheral vision, which can make it hard to see clearly and understand depth. Going to the eye doctor to find out what’s wrong is important if you notice changes in your vision.