Tunnel Vision (Loss of Peripheral Vision)

The term “tunnel vision” is used to describe a constricted field of vision where you are able to see straight ahead, but vision to the sides, or peripheral vision, is lost.

Also referred to as peripheral vision loss or tubular vision, tunnel vision is much like looking through a small tube. Individuals with tunnel vision often have a difficult time navigating in dim lighting, like when in a dark movie theater.

This article explains the causes of tunnel vision. It also discusses whether tunnel vision is an emergency, as well as what it’s like living with this condition.

What Causes Tunnel Vision?

Many conditions can lead to tunnel vision. These may include:

• Retinal detachment, an emergency that occurs when a layer of tissue in the back of the eye becomes separated from the blood vessels that provide it with oxygen
• Glaucoma, a group of conditions that can lead to blindness and is often caused by higher than normal eye pressure
• Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited eye disease that causes damage to the back of the eye, or retina
• Blood loss to certain parts of the brain or eye
• A tumor, or abnormal tissue growth, pressing on the optic nerve
• Stress and anxiety, which can worsen existing tunnel vision or cause it
  
• Brain trauma
• Stroke
• Migraine, or a type of headache that can cause light and sound sensitivity

True tunnel vision is most often associated with severe glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment. 

An often under-reported cause of tunnel vision is pseudotumor cerebri, or false brain tumor. This condition occurs when pressure around the brain increases due to fluid buildup around the brain and spinal cord. This may cause vision problems and headaches.

Is Tunnel Vision an Emergency?

Any type of vision loss or visual disturbance can be quite alarming. The sudden onset of tunnel vision can be very dangerous and should be treated as a medical emergency.

However, when tunnel vision develops in relation to gradual vision loss associated with certain eye conditions, like glaucoma, it is not considered a medical emergency. Your eye doctor will keep a close watch of vision changes while you are under treatment. 

What Tunnel Vision Feels Like

Peripheral vision plays an important role in sensing motion outside of your line of sight without turning your head. This can help with driving, playing sports, and generally moving around without bumping into things.

If an individual has tunnel vision, they will need to use great caution when navigating their environment. Driving, reading, playing sports, moving around in dim lighting, and walking around may feel difficult without peripheral vision. They may also feel startled when being approached from the side.

Tunnel Vision Treatment

In some cases, vision loss can be permanent. However, there are still ways to improve your quality of life. Depending on the underlying condition, tunnel vision may be treated with:

• Eyeglasses and prism lenses
• Laser treatment, an eye procedure, that may help with retinal detachment and may or may not help correct peripheral vision loss
• Oral and nasal drugs that reduce inflammation associated with migraines, as well as preventative treatments like injections and medical devices that target how the brain processes pain
• Anti-anxiety medication and psychotherapy to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress
  

Coping With Tunnel Vision

It’s important to treat the underlying cause of tunnel vision if possible. You can also use coping strategies like these.

• Make sure you see your eye doctor on a regular basis to ensure your eyes are healthy.
• Keep potentially dangerous furniture or objects put away to make sure your home is as safe to navigate as possible.
• Consider joining a support group to connect with others going through similar experiences.
• Use visual rehabilitation services, which can be helpful for people who have difficulty with vision-related tasks.
• Meet with an Orientation and Mobility specialist
• See a mental health professional to manage anxiety and/or depression

Summary

Tunnel vision, or loss of peripheral vision, is most often caused by certain eye conditions. However, other conditions can also lead to tunnel vision.

Tunnel vision should be treated as a medical emergency, unless it develops due to gradual vision loss associated with an eye condition.

Tunnel vision can impact how an individual navigates their environment and can make certain tasks, such as driving, walking in crowded areas, and walking at night especially difficult. Sometimes treatment can address the underlying cause of tunnel vision.

A Word From Verywell

If you suddenly develop tunnel vision, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Although this condition may not be able to be reversed, early treatment could prevent further vision loss (specifically if it is caused by glaucoma).