• WHAT IS TUNNEL VISION AND IS IT SERIOUS?

    Peripheral vision is the wide set of your eyesight that allows you to see objects around you that aren’t directly in your line of focus. While these objects may not be completely clear, they are still visible enough for you to react to anything that may cause you harm or otherwise demand your attention. In terms of being able to function, your peripheral vision helps you get through day to day life. Losing your peripheral vision, known as tunnel vision, can hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks, but more importantly, it may be a sign of a serious health issue.

    HEALTH ISSUES RELATED TO TUNNEL VISION

    Some people may experience slight tunnel vision if they overexert themselves without proper hydration or nutrition.This vision is usually not threatening and restores within seconds or minutes after resting and hydrating.

    The biggest concern with losing your peripheral vision is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, leading to blind spots in your peripheral vision and eventually, if unchecked, full blindness. This will be one of the first conditions your doctor looks for, but you may have other problems as well. Tunnel vision can indicate a brain, cardiovascular, or neurological problem, such as a stroke, or neurological damage, or concussions. Or, it may be a detached retina, which may not be as life threatening as cardiovascular or brain conditions, but is still treated as a serious condition as it threatens you with blindness.

    IS TUNNEL VISION PERMANENT?

    Unfortunately, tunnel vision is virtually irreversible, though there are some instances where treatment regained peripheral vision. Prevention is the best way to keep your vision field clear. Since tunnel vision can develop over time, you may not realize there’s a problem until it’s severe. Regular eye examinations can determine whether or not you’re at risk for losing peripheral vision.

    STOPPING TUNNEL VISION IN ITS TRACKS

    If you’ve lost peripheral vision, do not lose hope! It may not be reversible, but your eye doctor can help you stop it in its tracks, maintaining the rest of your vision that remains. Furthermore, if your tunnel vision isn’t too severe, you may be a candidate for corrective eyewear. These special glasses are fitted with lenses designed to broaden your field of vision, so you can resume your daily tasks without any trouble.

    Peripheral vision loss could indicate a life threatening condition or lead to blindness. If you’re experiencing tunnel vision, please call Silverstein Eye Care Centers today at (816) 358-3600 or request an appointment online.

    Posted September 24, 2015 by Silverstein Eye Centers
    Skip to content