The Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Vision Loss

Peripheral vision affects many areas of our lives, including driving. It is also an integral part of team sports such as football and basketball. Unlike other visual problems, peripheral vision loss cannot be fixed by using glasses or contacts. The two components of vision are central vision and peripheral vision. These two components are independent of one another.? Indicators of a problem with peripheral vision include difficulty in seeing in dim light or difficulty navigating when walking. When people suffer a lack of peripheral vision, they rely upon their central vision to compensate. And people are frequently unaware of peripheral vision problems, because they are expecting the blind area to appear black, when more frequently, its symptoms are no different from being unable to see behind our heads. We don't consider the area behind our heads to be "black" or "blind." We only know we can't see there. The blind area is called a "scotoma." Because scotomas can be very small, they are frequently unnoticed until they grow larger. [caption id="attachment_557" align="alignleft" width="150"] Computerized Visual Field machine, which measures peripheral or "side" vision[/caption] Damage to the optic nerve, high intraocular pressure (IOP) and eye strokes are among the causes of peripheral vision loss. Concussions and detached retinas can also lead to peripheral vision loss. An eye doctor will need to conduct a visual field test once you have discovered a peripheral vision loss. The visual field test will be able to pinpoint the position of the suspected blind spots. For glaucoma patients, it is imperative that they follow their prescribed regimen of eye drops to control their IOP to avoid permanent peripheral vision loss. Andrea Schumann Staff Writer