Peripheral Vision Loss: What is it & What Are Your Options?

Peripheral vision impacts what we do every day – from watching television to safely crossing the street. Therefore, the loss of peripheral vision disrupts how we can go about our daily lives, making it difficult to do even the simplest of things.

We can maintain a full and active life by understanding the causes and exploring solutions for these issues. Read on as our Optegra experts provide their key advice on peripheral vision loss.

What is Peripheral Vision?

When you see things and movements outside the direct line of sight, it is your peripheral vision that you are using. It differs from your “central vision” – that focusses on objects that fall on your macular (part of retina responsible for central vision) and when you are reading or recognising faces it is the central vision that is in action. Peripheral vision has an important function in detecting motion, maintaining spatial awareness, and doing everyday tasks like driving or walking.

What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss?

Loss of peripheral vision (sometimes known as “tunnel vision”) can harm daily life and is triggered by various eye conditions. Two of the most common of these are glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa.

With Glaucoma, the pressure in the eye rises and damages the optic nerve, sometimes leading to the narrowing of peripheral vision. Retinitis pigmentosa is genetic, damaging the retina and the peripheral vision over time.

Cataracts (a clouding of the eye lens) can also lead to peripheral vision loss. The way light enters the eye is distorted, causing a loss in peripheral vision.

Loss of Peripheral Vision in One Eye

There could be a variety of causes for people who experience peripheral vision loss in only one eye. Typically, this is linked to eye disease or neurological conditions.

One of the most common causes is retinal detachment – here the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue leading to a shadow or curtain effect in the eye. Glaucoma can also cause peripheral vision loss in one eye if the optic nerve becomes damaged.

Strokes, brain injuries or other neurological issues can also cause loss of peripheral vision in one eye – this happens from a disruption of the visual pathways connected to the eye. Other conditions such as optic neuritis, where the optic nerve gets inflamed, may also lead to the condition.

Signs of Peripheral Vision Loss

Peripheral vision loss has many signs, depending on severity and the underlying cause:

• One of the main signs is a narrowed field of vision, where the person will find difficulty seeing objects or movement on the side. However, central vision remains clear and normal.
• Sufferers may also have trouble noticing obstacles while walking – leading to falls or collisions, especially in low lighting.
• Those who drive or play sports can struggle with the reduced ability to notice movement outside the centre of focus.

Often, peripheral vision loss may develop gradually, and may initially be very subtle. The brain also “fills in” missing vision so it can be in the very late stages that any loss can be detected and some people become blind before this. This is often why Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” and why it is important to have regular eye health check ups with you eye health care provider. They will perform a visual field test that can detect visual field loss early.

When to Seek Medical Advice

As peripheral visual field loss is subtle and can often be without any signs or symptoms, it is important to have a regular two-year to annual eye health check-up as directed by your eye health care provider*. They will perform a visual field test that can detect visual field loss early.

* Optegra do not offer support with this condition.

The Visual Field Test to Measure Peripheral Vision

A visual field test is a diagnostic procedure that measures the horizontal and vertical range of vision. This includes peripheral vision and it is different to a routine eye exam. The test identifies blind spots and areas of reduced sensitivity within the visual field. They can help detect and monitor conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and other issues affecting peripheral vision.

When a person undergoes this test, they’ll focus on a central point while light stimuli are given in various parts of the field of view.

In terms of treatment addressing the underlying cause of  loss of peripheral vision may reverse or prevent further loss.

Living with Peripheral Vision Loss

People suffering from peripheral vision loss typically need to adapt to new ways of navigating daily life. It is important to create a safer, more manageable environment.

Learning to compensate for a reduced field of vision includes consciously turning your head to detect things or movements that would normally be part of peripheral vision. This way you can notice potential dangers around you.

Our practical actions can help you to adjust to the loss of peripheral vision:

Medical and Professional Support

• Consult a doctor: Work with an eye care professional to explore treatment options, vision aids (e.g., prisms, magnifiers), or vision therapy.
• Low vision assessment: Get referred to a low vision clinic for personalized advice and tools like optical aids.
• Orientation and mobility training: Learn navigation techniques to improve safety and independence in daily activities

Home Modifications

• Improve lighting: Add bright, even lighting to all rooms while minimizing glare. Use task lighting for specific activities.
• Declutter spaces: Remove unnecessary items to reduce tripping hazards. Keep everything organized and in designated spots for easy access.
• Enhance contrast: Paint door frames or walls in contrasting colours, use brightly coloured utensils, and apply raised stickers on appliances for better visibility.
• Install safety features: Add grab bars in bathrooms, use non-slip mats, and rearrange furniture to create clear pathways.

Daily Living

• Use assistive devices: Consider tools like talking equipment (e.g., watches, scales), large-print or audio books, liquid-level indicators, or minifiers for a wider field of view.
• Mark items for easier identification: Use elastic bands, coloured tape, or bump-on stickers to differentiate objects like shampoo bottles or appliance settings.
• Adapt reading techniques: Use a finger or marker to guide reading lines and adjust text spacing for better clarity.

Navigational Techniques

• Turn your head: Practice turning your head toward the affected side to centralize your vision while walking or scanning surroundings.
• Move cautiously in crowded areas: Have a companion walk on your affected side to prevent collisions and use handrails on stairs for stability.
• Cross streets carefully: Use designated crossings and take extra time to judge distances and steps.

Emotional and Social Support

• Seek peer support: Join support groups or counselling sessions to share experiences and learn coping strategies from others with vision loss.
• Involve loved ones: Discuss your condition openly with family and friends so they can provide practical assistance and emotional support.

Self-Care

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and stress management to support overall well-being