Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
The term “tunnel vision” describes a restrictedfield of visionwhere you can see straight ahead, but the vision to the sides—calledperipheral vision—is lost. Having tunnel vision, also known as peripheral vision loss, is much like looking through a narrow tube.
This article describes the symptoms and causes of tunnel vision, including the signs of a medical emergency. It also explains how to cope with a condition that affects 13% of adults over 65.
NEI
What Tunnel Vision Feels Like
The main symptom of tunnel vision is the loss of peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is the field of vision outside of the center of your gaze.
Peripheral vision plays an important role in sensing motion outside your direct line of sight without turning your head. This helps with driving, playing sports, and generally moving around without bumping into things.
The most obvious sign of tunnel vision syndrome is obscured peripheral vision in one or both eyes. Other signs of tunnel vision include:
Depending on the cause, you may also experience blurred vision.
What Causes Tunnel Vision?
Tunnel vision can affect anyone of any age but is more common in older adults whose vision may be naturally deteriorating.
Many conditions can lead to tunnel vision, including:
True tunnel vision is most often associated with severe glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment.
How Is Tunnel Vision Diagnosed?
Certain tell-tale symptoms can hint at the underlying cause, including whether one or both eyes are affected, if the onset was sudden or gradual, or if other parts of the eye are dysfunctional (such as your pupils).
The following tests may be ordered to narrow the causes and direct the appropriate treatment:
How Tunnel Vision Is Treated
The treatment of tunnel vision varies based on the underlying cause. While some causes are highly treatable, others are not and need to be managed over the long term.
Prescription Eyewear
Tunnel vision cannot be treated with conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, there are prescription lenses, known as prism lenses, that can be added to eyeglasses to expand the field of vision.
Prism lenses redirect the light into the retina to make images align. They are useful for treating tunnel vision associated with:
Medications
Examples include:
Eye Procedures
When prism lenses and medications fail to provide relief, more invasive procedures may be recommended to correct tunnel vision.
These include:
When to Seek Medical Care
Tunnel vision should never be considered normal no matter your age and should be seen as a matter of urgency.
On the other hand, seek immediate medical care if tunnel vision is:
What to Do About a Migraine Emergency
Coping With Tunnel Vision
It’s important to treat the underlying cause of tunnel vision if possible. You can also use coping strategies like these:
A Caregiver’s Guide to Coping With Vision Loss
Summary
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