Your side vision, also called peripheral vision, is what you see out of the corner of your eye. It’s a big part of how you move through the world safely, from driving a car to walking through a crowded room. Here at The Eye Care Team, we want to help you understand this crucial aspect of your sight, because sometimes, changes to your side vision happen so slowly you might not notice them at first.
Several eye and health conditions can cause a loss of peripheral vision, which an eye exam can help identify. Understanding what peripheral vision does, the signs of vision loss, and what might cause it can help you protect your sight.
What Your Peripheral Vision Helps You Do
Think of your peripheral vision as your built-in motion detector. It helps you sense what’s happening around you, even when you’re not looking directly at it. Its main jobs are to:
- Notice objects and movement around you
- Navigate spaces without bumping into things
- Provide a sense of your surroundings for balance and coordination
Signs of a Change in Side Vision
Because peripheral vision loss can be gradual, it helps to know the signs. You might notice that you:
- Bump into door frames, furniture, or people more often
- Have trouble seeing in dim light or at night
- Feel like you’re looking through a narrow tube; this is often called “tunnel vision”
- Need to turn your head more to see things on either side of you
- Are surprised by cars or people who seem to appear from nowhere
Common Conditions That Affect Peripheral Vision
Several eye and health conditions can cause a loss of side vision. An eye exam helps identify the specific reason for any changes you experience. A conversation with your eye doctor can help you get the right answers for your health.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of peripheral vision loss. It’s a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which sends signals from your eye to your brain. This damage often affects your side vision first.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
This is a genetic condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It causes a slow loss of vision, typically starting with night vision and peripheral vision.
Stroke or Brain Injury
Sometimes, vision loss is not caused by a problem in the eye itself but by a problem in the brain. A stroke or other brain injury can damage the parts of the brain that process what you see. This can affect your field of vision.
Retinal Detachment
A detached retina occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position. This is an urgent situation that can cause a sudden shadow or curtain in your side vision. You may also see flashes of light or floaters.
How an Eye Doctor Checks Your Side Vision
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are a direct way to catch changes in your vision early. Your eye doctor has specific tools to check your entire field of vision. This goes beyond just how clearly you see straight ahead.
Visual Field Test
This Visual Field Test maps your complete field of vision. You’ll look at a central point and press a button whenever you see a light flash in your side vision. It’s a simple, painless way to find any blind spots you may not have noticed.
Comprehensive Eye Health Exam
During a full exam, your doctor checks the health of your optic nerve and retina. This helps them identify the root cause of any vision changes. It also allows them to create a plan to protect your sight.
Management Options for Peripheral Vision Loss
While vision lost to certain conditions can’t always be restored, there are ways to manage them. The goal is to preserve the vision you have. It also helps you adapt to your surroundings.
Treat the Underlying Cause
The first step is to manage the health condition that causes the vision loss. For example, medicated eye drops for glaucoma can help control the pressure inside your eye. This can prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Vision Aids and Tools
Specialty lenses, like prisms, can sometimes be added to your eyeglasses. These lenses can expand your field of view. They help you notice more in your periphery and improve your awareness of your surroundings.
Practical Ways to Adapt
Your eye care team can also teach you simple techniques to use your vision more effectively. This can include methods for scanning your environment. You can also get tips for organizing your home to make it safer and easier to navigate.
Protect Your Peripheral Vision Today
Changes to your peripheral vision can be a sign of a serious eye condition. Early detection gives you more options to protect your sight. If you’ve noticed any changes or have concerns, the team at The Eye Care Team is here to help.Schedule an exam with our team to get a clear picture of your eye health.
