Peripheral vision is essential for humans because it broadens our vision and can keep us safe. If we lived like horses pulling a cart, then we would have tunnel vision, but this would be detrimental for us.
Tunnel vision is the loss of peripheral vision – vision on the sides without turning our heads. Tunnel vision can be temporary, or it can be long-lasting.
Common causes of tunnel vision include having glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, ocular migraines, stroke or concussion, chloridemia, injury-induced blood loss, alcohol-induced intoxication, hallucinogenic drugs, or it could be a side effect of other medications which you may be taking to treat other conditions.
Not having your peripheral vision can be challenging and affect your ability to perform specific tasks along with keeping yourself safe and out of harm’s way. The cause of your peripheral vision loss will determine the mode of treatment. This could involve treating glaucoma or cataracts, reducing alcohol intake, or recovering from a stroke or concussion. There is currently no treatment for tunnel vision caused by retinal disintegration.
It is very important that you take regular care of your vision by going for routine eye exams to detect any changes in vision early on. By detecting vision changes early, you can have greater success in maintaining your vision.