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Peripheral Vision Loss (Tunnel Vision)

Does your lack of side vision leave you missing out?Afraid of accidents or walking into people?Concerned about your safety?There is help…Peripheral vision problems mean that you don't have a normal, wide-angle field of vision, even though your central vision may be fine. Moderate and severe cases of peripheral vision loss create the sensation of seeing through a narrow tube, a condition commonly referred to as "tunnel vision." Symptoms of peripheral vision loss also can include difficulty seeing in dim light and decreased ability to navigate while you are walking.

What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss?

A common cause of loss of peripheral vision (also called a peripheral field defect) is optic nerve damage from glaucoma. Eye "strokes" (occlusions) that block normal blood flow to the eye's internal structures, including the optic nerve, also can lead to loss of peripheral vision. A stroke or injury also may damage portions of the brain where images are processed, leading to blind spots in the visual field.

Basic causes of peripheral vision loss include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • Eye strokes or occlusions
  • Detached retina
  • Brain damage from stroke, disease or injury
  • Neurological damage such as from optic neuritis
  • Compressed optic nerve head (papilledema)
  • Concussions (head injuries)*

If you suspect you have lost peripheral vision, Schedule an appointment with an International Academy Of Low Vision Specialists Optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam that includes visual field testing. Side Vision Awareness glasses may the solution. Side Vision Awareness Glasses™ (SVAG) were developed by Dr. Errol Rummel of Jackson, NJ, after years of treating people with stroke-related,or brain injury related hemianopsia (side vision loss). Dr. Rummel is Director of the Low Vision Care Center, Jackson, NJ, is the Director of the Neuro-optometric Rehabilitation Clinic at the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, Pomona, NJ. And is a Fellow of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.

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