Conditions that Affect Peripheral Vision

Losing peripheral vision can make it feel like you're seeing life through a tunnel. The loss of peripheral vision is often a symptom of a medical condition and should not be ignored. At Monterey County Eye Associates, we offer a wide range of eye care services to address the underlying causes of peripheral vision loss and protect eyesight. When treating peripheral vision loss, it's necessary to consider what may be the source of vision problems.

Here, we focus on some of the most common conditions that affect peripheral vision. If you live in or around Monterey, CA and would like more information about what may be causing your peripheral vision problems, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced eye doctors.

What Are the Signs of Poor Peripheral Vision?

Peripheral vision is the field of vision surrounding the central field of view. When peripheral vision is poor, things surrounding the central vision may be blurry or dark, making it seems as though you're looking through a tube. In fact, some people describe this symptom as “tunnel vision.” Some other signs of poor peripheral vision include:

• Difficulty with spatial awareness
• Difficulty seeing in low light conditions
• The central field of vision becomes smaller as peripheral vision becomes worse

What Conditions Affect Peripheral Vision?

There are several conditions that can affect peripheral vision. Some of these conditions include:

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of peripheral vision loss. Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure within the eye, which is caused by fluid buildup, presses on the optic nerve. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve and affect peripheral vision.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: Retinitis pigmentosa is another common cause of peripheral vision problems. Retinitis pigmentosa is a disorder marked by retinal damage, which impacts the retina's ability to sense light. As damage to the retina becomes more severe, peripheral vision suffers.
• Stroke: Stroke is a disease that can cause damage to the brain by depriving oxygen to the brain cells. Some people who suffer from a stroke may experience vision problems, including problems with peripheral vision, if areas of the brain responsible for vision are damaged. 
• Detached retina: A detached retina is a condition in which the retina is separated from the tissues that support it within the eye. This causes the retina to stop functioning, which in turn can cause reduced peripheral vision. A detached retina is a serious condition that may be caused by an injury, aging, or extreme myopia. It requires immediate medical attention.
• Eye occlusions: Eye occlusions, or eye strokes, occur when the arteries or veins within the retina or optic nerve become blocked. This blockage can cause damage to vision, including peripheral vision.

Schedule a Consultation with the Monterey County Eye Associates

Don't let vision problems impact your quality of life. If you have noticed changes in your vision, or have been having difficulty seeing clearly, it is important to undergo a comprehensive eye exam. To schedule your next exam or to discuss your eye care needs, we welcome you to contact our team at the Monterey County Eye Associates.