Normal sight includes central vision (the field of view straight ahead) and peripheral vision (the field of view outside the circle of central vision). The inability to see within a normal range of view often indicates peripheral vision loss. In severe cases of peripheral vision loss, individuals only see with their central vision, which causes the sensation of looking through a narrow tunnel. For this reason, peripheral vision loss is sometimes referred to as tunnel vision.
Peripheral Vision Loss Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptom of peripheral vision loss is tunnel vision. When this symptom occurs, you are only able to see a small circle straight ahead. You may also have difficulty seeing in low light and have trouble walking.
Peripheral vision loss does not always occur rapidly. As a result, many sufferers do not immediately realize they are experiencing a loss of peripheral vision, and do not receive diagnosis until examined by an eye care professional.
Peripheral Vision Loss Causes
Several conditions cause peripheral vision loss. Some conditions are serious and require immediate treatment, while others will simply clear up on their own. Any loss of vision or change in sight, however, should prompt an immediate examination by an eye care professional to rule out or begin treatment for any serious medical conditions.
Conditions which cause peripheral vision and require medical treatment include glaucoma, damage to the retina, detached retina, retinitis pigmentosa, brain damage due to stroke or loss of blood, occlusions (eye strokes), optic nerve damage, optic neuritis, compressed optic nerve head, and concussions or other head injuries.
In addition to these conditions which can lead to permanent vision loss, some factors cause temporary tunnel vision and may not require medical treatment. These include alcohol and drug use, high levels of adrenalin, extreme stress, panic, and anger. Peripheral vision loss due to these factors will clear up on its own with no treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Eye care professionals diagnose peripheral vision loss by using a field of vision exam to test your range of vision. If peripheral vision loss is detected, the eye care professional will determine the specific cause by performing further medical testing, observation, and by looking at your medical records. Once an underlying cause is determined, an eye care professional will recommend the treatment options. Depending on the cause, this might include surgery, medication, or vision therapy.
8 Comments
Dr. Karimi is such a fine & compassionate doctor. My husband & I are grateful to entrust her with our vision care. ❤
I’ve been seeing Dr. Haideh for years now and she’s the best. Always provides the best care and is very educational. The desk staff are also very kind and helpful. My appointments are always decently quick too so I don’t have to worry about waiting in a doctors office all day!
I’ve been a patient of Dr Karimi for years & I absolutely love her. Always informative! If you’re needing an eye doctor, highly recommend her!
Dr. Karimi has been providing eye care to our family for the last three years and we are very satisfied with her service. The entire front office is very knowledgeable and helpful – this is important because it is where you spend most of your time – selecting frames, getting expert opinion and suggestions.
I’ve been going to this location for years. They have great customer service. The front office ladies are very sweet and the doctor is informative and helpful and always has a smile. They’re also very quick and efficient. I highly recommend them.
Dr Haideh Karimi is just the best. I highly recommend her. She is very knowledgeable and profesional. I first had my eye exam with her about 3 years ago, and after trying a couple of other places i totally saw the difference. She has specialized exams for determine multiple health issues like glaucoma, etc . You can book online, and they normally reply within the day. In my case they were able to use my same frames, but they have brand (Gucci, Burberry, Coach, Anne Klein, Carolina Herrera, etc) frames pricing anywhere between $180-$350, which is pretty good compared to other places I have seen. They were able to do my formulation in their office, so it was ready 30 min later!
I went for an eye exam with Dr. Haideh and had an experience of a lifetime. She is so sweet and accommodating and makes you feel at eases as soon as you walk in. She took her time answering all my questions and assisting me with all my concerns. She went out of her way to make recommendations on natural non medical ways to heal my concerns. She was genuine and caring and I’m going to recommend her to anyone and everyone 100%
Our entire family has been going to Dr. Karimi for over 10 years. She takes the extra time to explain any changes to our vision amd educate us about our eyes. They do a digital scan of our eyes and keep the history year over year to show the progression of our vision. The optical is well stocked and they can even do some glasses on site the same day. Highly recommend this office for your vision needs.