Peripheral vision loss is when someone has a hard time seeing things to the side. While they can focus and visualize straight ahead, they may not be able to see what's around the target or thing that they are focusing on.
What are some examples of peripheral vision?
When walking someone who has a deficit in their peripheral vision may bump into walls or people as they dont see the things around them.
A baseball pitcher needs excellent peripheral vision. This is because they are looking straight ahead at the batter but need to be aware if someone is stealing a base using their peripheral vision.
When we drive we use our central vision to see what is going on in front of the car while being mindful of what is happening to our sides using our peripheral vision.
If someone is at the park and they are reading a book, and are distracted by a bird flying in the sky, that is because they are using their peripheral vision.
What are the symptoms of peripheral vision loss?
The following are common signs or indicators of peripheral vision loss. It should be noted that there are people who experience no symptoms.
Tunnel vision
Veil/Curtain
Light shimmering
Sensitivity to light and glare
Mobility issues such as bumping into things
Night-blindness
Tripping over objects
What medical conditions can cause peripheral vision loss?
Peripheral vision loss can be caused by a number of medical conditions. Each in a different way. Following are some medical conditions that can cause peripheral vision loss:
Diabetic retinopathy: When you have diabetic retinal changes, peripheral vision loss tend to be more in patches as opposed to tunnel vision.
Advanced glaucoma: It can also cause peripheral vision changes. The condition results from excessive intraocular pressure from fluid. It can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Brain aneurysms put pressure on the optic nerve in the brain, affecting vision. There are a variety of visual symptoms associated with cerebral aneurysms, including loss of peripheral vision.
Retinitis pigmentosa: This includes several types of congenital eye complications which affect the retina.
Strokes: Oftentimes a person who has a stroke will have part of their peripheral vision impacted, for example hemianopsia is a condition following a stroke where half of the visual field is missing.
Ocular migraine and vitreous floaters may impair peripheral vision. While these causes cause less serious vision loss than those listed above, you should schedule a low vision consultation if you are experiencing vision loss due to them.
How can peripheral vision loss be treated?
There are primarily two effective ways to assist peripheral vision loss:
Prisms: The prism shifts the image from the peripheral to the central view, resulting in vision. There are several advantages to choosing this option, including the fact that the results are usually instantaneous, effective, and relatively inexpensive.
Neuro-Optometric rehabilitation: Neuro-optometric rehabilitation allows the brain to learn how to expand its field of vision. The goal of such a program is to maximize the remaining vision of a person by learning new strategies.
Schedule a medical eye exam for peripheral vision loss in Los Angeles
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with our low vision optometrist if you experience or suspect that you may be losing your side vision. Our functional optometrists work with patients that have lost their peripheral vision and can provide advanced treatment through our offices specialties of low vision and neuro optometric rehabilitation. In order to rule out other medical complications, our optometrist may suggest an evaluation with other specialists. Call us at (562) 925-6591 to schedule an eye exam.
Testimonials
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Claire A.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
Jim K.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
Teresa S.
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
Joe M.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
Kayla W.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
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