All About Tunnel Vision

Tunnel vision, medically known as peripheral vision loss, involves a loss in the field of vision. Your field of vision includes your central and peripheral vision. Your central vision refers to what you can see right in front of you, while your peripheral vision involves what you can see to the side without turning your head.

Tunnel vision can affect one or both eyes. Researchers estimate that about 13% of people over 65 have peripheral vision loss. 
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Depending on the cause, tunnel vision can be permanent or temporary. It may also develop suddenly or gradually over time. Regardless of the cause, tunnel vision can interfere with everyday activities such as driving.

Continue reading for a look at tunnel vision symptoms, causes, risks, and treatment.

What causes tunnel vision?

Tunnel vision can be caused by conditions that affect your eyes, brain, or nerves. Conditions that affect the eyes which may lead to peripheral vision loss include:

• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Optic neuritis
• Retinal detachment

Conditions that affect the brain or nerves that may lead to tunnel vision include:

• Stroke
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine

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Tunnel vision symptoms 

Having tunnel vision may feel like you are looking through a tube and only seeing what is right in front of you. Gaps in your side vision may make you turn your head to see something to your right or left.

Symptoms associated with tunnel vision may include:

• Dark or blurry side vision in one or both eyes
• Problems with balance
• Difficulty driving

Depending on the cause of tunnel vision, your central vision may not be affected. If sudden peripheral vision loss occurs, it's important to see your eye doctor immediately to determine the cause and get proper treatment. 
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How does tunnel vision impact daily life?

Losing your side vision can impact your spatial awareness and depth perception, which can affect your ability to perform everyday activities. For example, tunnel vision may make navigating crowded spaces or unfamiliar areas difficult. It can also make activities such as reading and driving difficult.

Having tunnel vision may increase your risk for falls and affect your balance. If tunnel vision is permanent, most people need to make certain adjustments in their everyday activities. For instance, you may find it challenging to drive and need to find other means of transportation.
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How is tunnel vision diagnosed?

Tunnel vision is diagnosed through a regular eye exam. Your doctor will perform a visual field test, letting you know immediately if you have peripheral vision loss. Although a visual field test can determine if you've lost some or all of your peripheral vision, it generally will not determine the cause. However, having a comprehensive eye exam can help your eye doctor identify the cause of tunnel vision.

Tunnel vision treatment  

Treatment for tunnel vision will depend on the severity of vision loss and the underlying cause. In some cases, tunnel vision is only temporary. It may go away on its own, such as with a migraine or concussion.

If tunnel vision is permanent, using low-vision aids may help. Home safety modifications may also be an recommended to reduce the risk of accidents. Seeing an eye doctor is helpful to determine additional ways to deal with the vision loss.

If you have concerns about peripheral vision loss, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.