All about Peripheral Vision

Glaucoma damages your vision by effecting your peripheral or side vision first. Glaucoma is not a single disease, but rather a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, due to the buildup of intraocular pressure.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is another group of rare genetic disorders that cause loss of night vision and peripheral vision. Retinitis Pigmentosa causes the cells in the retina to breakdown, leading to significant damage and eventual loss of sight, if not treated.

Optic Neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which causes damage to the protective sheath of the nerve, and can cause blurring and the appearance of blind spots. Optic Neuritis is a common occurrence with infections and immune-related diseases.

Retinal detachment is the condition in which the retina splits from the layer underneath, forcing the fluid in the eye to collect behind the retina. Causes of retinal detachment include posterior vitreous detachment, injury to the eye, inflammation of the retina, choroidal tumors or some eye surgeries.

Optic Nerve Atrophy (ONA) is damage to the optic nerve or the degeneration of the nerve that can be caused by trauma, a decrease in oxygen, infection or other reasons. Optic Nerve Atrophy can affect the central vision, peripheral vision, or the color vision of an individual.

Optic Nerve Compressions occur when a mass such as a tumor or the build-up of puss or other fluid presses on the optic nerve. This pressure results in the loss of vision and may lead to eventual blindness.

Papilledema is swelling of the optic disc, due to intracranial pressure build-up. Papilledema can cause blind spots, blurring of vision, and other types of visual impairment. If left untreated, papilledema can result in complete vision loss.

Head injuries, strokes, or any other kind of damage to the brain may cause pressure to build upon the optic nerve. This buildup of pressure may lead to the loss of peripheral vision or other complication. Injuries may also result in damaging parts of the brain that process images, leading to blind spots.

Eye strokes, also known as Retinal Artery Occlusion, are a result of clotting or the constriction of blood vessels in the eye. The restriction in blood flow causes a limited supply of blood in the eye, which may cause damage. Eye strokes can cause vision loss in the entire eye or affect some parts of the eye and vision.

Now that we know a few things that could damage our peripheral vision, let’s talk about how to test your peripheral vision, at home. However, if you feel any discomfort in seeing things clearly or experience any kind of visual impairment, visit an eye doctor immediately.