Understanding Peripheral Vision and Peripheral Vision Loss

Dec, 2022 | Eye Diseases, Vision Problems

Your peripheral vision plays a key role in how you see the world—it helps you stay aware of your surroundings without turning your head. But peripheral vision loss can happen, and it’s not something to ignore.

So, what does it mean if you lose it, and what should you do next? Let’s explore why peripheral vision matters, common causes of vision loss, and why comprehensive eye exams in Tinley Park are crucial.

What is peripheral vision?

Peripheral vision is the area outside the central focus point of our eyes. This type of vision allows us to see what’s happening around us without moving our eyes or head. Our peripheral vision is crucial for daily activities like driving, walking downstairs, reading signs, playing sports, and more. It also gives us a sense of awareness so we can react quickly if necessary.

What causes peripheral vision loss?

Several conditions can lead to a decrease or complete loss of peripheral vision, including the following:

  • Glaucoma
  • Stroke
  • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • Diabetic retinopathy (a type of diabetic eye disease)
  • Migraines may cause a temporary loss of peripheral vision

Early detection and diagnosis are key to treating these conditions before they cause permanent damage to the eye. Fortunately, there are several tests available that can measure the extent of any potential damage and provide insight into treatment options. 

What can I do about peripheral vision loss?

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any sudden changes in your side vision or have any concerns about your vision.

At Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park, we offer comprehensive eye exams for individuals experiencing any type of visual difficulty. Our team will use advanced testing methods, such as visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, to measure how wide an area you can see without turning your head from side to side. We also provide treatment for glaucoma and other conditions associated with peripheral vision loss.

Conclusion

If you think that something might be wrong with your peripheral vision or have already been diagnosed with a condition causing this type of visual field defect, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park as soon as possible! Our optometrists work closely with you to design a customized plan that improves your quality of life by preserving much-needed clarity at the edges of your vision.

Thank you for trusting us here at Walter Eye Clinic; we look forward to helping you see more clearly!

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