Peripheral vision loss is a matter of medical emergency and should be treated immediately. Fix an appointment with your ophthalmologist but it is also good to remember that the losing peripheral vision is not always because of eye problems. It can be due to any number of reasons. Given below are the top 6 reasons why peripheral vision loss can occur –
- Stroke – A stroke is also called as Cerebral Vascular Accident. You suffer from a stroke because the blood stops flowing into the brain. This results in no oxygen supply or nutrient supply to the brain causing vision loss, including peripheral vision. The loss can depend upon the severity of the stroke and the blockage in the arteries and veins. The optic nerve and retina undergo severe damage during a stroke.
- Glaucoma – Many older people suffer from peripheral vision loss due to glaucoma. To understand glaucoma, you have to first understand how does the eye work? Your vision includes functions like spatial discrimination, night vision, color and movement perception, night vision and contrast sensitivity.
You are able to recognize faces and read because of central vision and you use peripheral vision to see the obstacles in your surroundings. When you suffer from glaucoma, you lose peripheral deficits.
- Retinal Detachment – Retinal detachment is another reason why you lose peripheral vision. When the retina detaches, you feel as if a curtain is obscuring your vision on one side. It also leads to peripheral vision loss.
- Migraine – Migraine is a severe form of headache that can cause temporary losing your ability of peripheral vision. The symptoms of migraine are so severe that your eyes are unable to tolerate light and sound. You suffer from nausea and are unable to work normally.
- Brain Tumor – While peripheral vision loss occurs due to many ailments, it is also a symptom of brain tumor. Other symptoms include headaches, vomiting, nausea, balance problems and difficulty in speaking. So, if your peripheral vision loss is also accompanies by these symptoms, then it is best to consult a physician. With in depth analysis and a good microscope he will be able to detect and prevent possible bigger problems.
Other reasons for peripheral vision loss can be brain tumor, severe headaches, retinopathy or pigmentosa among others. When people lose their ability to see on the periphery, they feel as if the world has come to an end. This is not so. Sometimes, the vision loss is temporary and at other times, while in the case of glaucoma, it is permanent. It all depends on the severity of your ailment.
But if you feel that you are losing your vision or feel that you cannot see on the sides, then consult an eye-specialist immediately. It can be the beginning of something severe or can be something temporary as migraine.
Only an ophthalmologist can tell you exactly what the problem is. Also remember in case of strokes, the condition is emergent. The speed at which the patient gets treatment determines how much damage occurs to his brain. If immediate treatment is given, it can prevent peripheral vision loss.
Great post! Peripheral vision is a major health problem and can occur to anyone especially to people who are older. Symptoms of peripheral vision loss include difficulty seeing in dim light and decreased ability to navigate while you are walking. Anyone who is experiencing such conditions on a regular basis should get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible. Also, all these reasons should be read carefully.