Peripheral Vision Loss (Tunnel Vision)

Your eyesight peripheral vision refers to your side vision. If you lose this, you will struggle or no longer be able to see objects that are out to the side, or the corner of your eye and aren’t directly in front of you.

Your peripheral vision allows you to see objects outside your central field of vision without moving your eyes or turning your head. With no or blurry peripheral vision, day-to-day activities (such as driving or playing sports) may be particularly challenging.

• What is peripheral vision loss?
• What conditions cause loss of eyesight peripheral vision?
• How can you tell if you are losing your peripheral vision?
• Can I drive with peripheral vision loss?
• Can tunnel vision be corrected?
• Can you prevent the loss of eyesight peripheral vision?

What is peripheral vision loss?

Peripheral vision loss (PVL) is when you lose vision beyond your central point of view. When very advanced, this is known as tunnel vision or tubular vision. Even if your central vision is normal, you won’t have a healthy, wide-angle field of vision without your eyesight peripheral vision.

As shown in the pictures above, peripheral vision loss or blurry peripheral vision appears as though you are seeing through a narrow tube; everything in front of you is visible, but anything below, above or around appears black (hence the name tunnel vision) or blurred.

Why did I suddenly lose my eyesight peripheral vision?

Tunnel vision or blurry peripheral vision may result from an eye condition, such as:

1. Glaucoma
2. Retinitis pigmentosa
3. Retinal detachment
4. Diabetic retinopathy

This condition can affect any age group. Unfortunately, you are only likely to notice it when it is advanced. Depending on the cause, tunnel vision can be temporary or permanent. Nonetheless, if you suspect your wider vision is becoming darker, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

How can you tell if you are losing your peripheral vision?

The main symptom of peripheral vision loss is NOTHING!

Your brain is so good at compensating, using eye movements to build up a picture that you may not notice anything until it is extremely advanced. This is why having a regular check for eye problems is key to detecting problems, such as glaucoma, early.

Sometimes, if the field loss is near the centre of vision, you may notice a blurred patch. You may notice other symptoms or problems as well, such as:

• Increased or decreased light sensitivity
• Redness or swelling
• Difficulty seeing in low-lit conditions or at night
• Having trouble while driving or navigating crowds
• Bumping into people or objects
• Falling over
• Tripping

These symptoms, however, do not automatically mean you will lose your peripheral vision and may be a sign of another eye or health condition, which is why it’s vital to be vigilant about your eye health and consult your ophthalmologist in case of any concerns. An ophthalmologist will be able to perform a visual field test to check for any blind spots within the retina.

Can I drive with peripheral vision loss?

If you drive, you should consult an eye care professional or a low-vision specialist to see whether you meet the legal requirements to operate a vehicle. They can test you with a specialist on-road driving assessment to know if you have adapted to your peripheral vision loss.

Can tunnel vision be corrected?

Correcting tunnel vision depends on what caused this issue in the first place. For example, tunnel vision caused by glaucoma cannot be restored. Still, you can manage the situation or prevent it from getting worse by keeping up with your regular glaucoma treatment.

On the other hand, temporary tunnel vision caused by ocular migraines usually returns to normal without treatment.

There is no specific treatment for tunnel vision. You need to treat the cause. For example, if you have lost your peripheral vision due to retinal detachment, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to reattach your retina to the back of the eye. The speed of having surgery often corresponds to the ability to recover, especially if the macula is intact (the part of the retina we see with, for example, to read.)

Please note: Tunnel vision cannot be corrected with contact lenses or glasses.

Can you prevent the loss of eyesight peripheral vision?

You cannot directly prevent all peripheral vision loss. However, maintaining good eye health could delay the progression of tunnel vision. We have listed some easy-to-follow pointers for you:

• Go for regular eye tests – if you have a family history of eye problems such as glaucoma (this should be at least yearly)
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors in the sun
• Incorporate supplements and vitamins that support eye health into your diet
• Properly clean your hands and contact lenses to avoid infection
• Take frequent screen breaks
• Understand the eye health history of your family
• Avoid vaping and smoking
• Maintain your blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes
• Maintain moderate cholesterol levels and your weight

An underrated yet crucial part of eye health is understanding your family’s eye health history. Some eye conditions that lead to peripheral vision loss (such as retinitis pigmentosa) are inherited. Informing your ophthalmologist about any family history of eye conditions may help them identify any potential issues at an early stage.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.