Causes of Blurry Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision refers to your ability to see objects to the sides and out of the corners of your eyes. If you lose peripheral vision, you may notice that just the central portion of your vision is clear. When the loss of peripheral vision comes on suddenly, it can be quite alarming. Sudden tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision) can be caused by retinal conditions and other health issues, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms.
The team at our Lenexa, KS retinal care center would like to discuss various causes of peripheral vision loss below. If you notice that your field of vision has narrowed, Retina Associates can help.
A Note About the Nature of Peripheral Vision Loss
One important thing to keep in mind is that peripheral vision loss isn’t always sudden. It can happen gradually over time. Such is the case with certain degenerative eye conditions that become worse the older you get.
Always be mindful about the state of your vision, and discuss any issue you encounter with your general practitioner or an eye care specialist.
Retinal Detachment and Tears
When your retina detaches or tears, one of the common symptoms is the loss or blurriness of your peripheral vision. You should also be mindful of floaters, spots, or a shadow descending over part of your vision. Immediate treatment for a retinal tear or detachment can prevent permanent blindness.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare disorder in which the light-sensitivity of the retina gradually degenerates over time. Patients will typically notice poor night vision and slow reduction of peripheral vision as they get older, with severe narrowing of the field of vision as the condition progresses.
While there is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, our Shawnee Mission retinal specialists can help manage the condition to preserve eyesight for as long as possible.
Eye Strokes
Eye strokes occur when blood flow to the eyes becomes blocked or reduced. This leads to the sudden loss or peripheral vision as well as blind spots and visual distortions.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure within your eyes causes damage to the optic nerve. This reduces the field of your vision and, if not dealt with, can result in total vision loss.
Concussions and Head Injuries
If you suffer a serious blow to the head, it can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs such as concussions have been known to affect vision, leading to the loss of peripheral vision, distorted or blurry vision, and other kinds of vision loss.
What to Do If You Notice Peripheral Vision Loss
If you experience the sudden loss of peripheral vision, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention right away. The faster you get the problem treated, the less likely you are to experience permanent loss of vision.
If your peripheral vision loss is more gradual, be sure to mention it to your doctor or eye care specialist as soon as you notice it. The earlier you bring it to the attention of our Shawnee Mission retina specialists, the better.
Contact Our Retinal Care Specialists
For more information about the loss of peripheral vision and how our vision team can help, be sure to contact our team of retinal specialists. You can reach Retina Associates by phone at (913) 831-7400.