What Does Tunnel Vision Mean? | Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever felt like you’re not seeing the whole picture? As if you’re locked in on one thing while everything else around it is blurry or barely visible? If so, you may be experiencing what’s known as tunnel vision.

Tunnel vision can result from many different causes, including eye diseases, head injuries, or even stress. Let’s take a closer look at tunnel vision and discuss how you and your eye doctor can work together to manage it.

Any change in your vision is something you should discuss with your eye doctor during your annual eye exam. If you notice a sudden loss of your side (peripheral) vision, contact our office right away for emergency eye care.

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What Is Tunnel Vision?

Tunnel vision refers to the loss of peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is your ability to see objects at the sides of your visual field and to see in low-light conditions. Tunnel vision typically affects both eyes, even if you feel the “tunnel” effect more in one eye than the other.

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Symptoms of Tunnel Vision

Tunnel vision can be acute (sudden) or chronic (developing over time), depending on the cause.  

The tunnel effect may appear suddenly—for example, after a traumatic head injury or a stroke. Chronic tunnel vision usually develops more gradually over time due to problems such as glaucoma and other eye diseases.  

Common symptoms associated with tunnel vision include:

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Causes of Tunnel Vision

There are many physical and psychological causes of tunnel vision. The tunnel effect can be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying reason.  

Acute tunnel vision can be triggered by a traumatic blow to the head or a stroke (when blood flow through an artery supplying the brain is suddenly interrupted).  

Other eye diseases and medical conditions can cause tunnel vision to progress more slowly over time. Some health issues that may lead to tunnel vision include:

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Glaucoma and Tunnel Vision

The most common cause of tunnel vision is glaucoma. Over time, glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and proper treatment can help preserve your sight.

Glaucoma symptoms may include blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, difficulty distinguishing colors, and tunnel vision. Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that primarily affects peripheral vision. If you notice any changes in how you see, it’s essential to visit an eye doctor for a full evaluation.

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Treatment Options for Tunnel Vision

When tunnel vision is caused by an underlying medical condition such as glaucoma or diabetes, treatment focuses on managing that condition.  

If glaucoma is responsible for your tunnel vision, treatment options can include medications to lower intraocular pressure (eye pressure) and surgical procedures to improve fluid drainage from the eye.

In some cases, laser treatment may help improve symptoms of tunnel vision. This is commonly recommended for people diagnosed with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal detachment.

If your tunnel vision is the result of a head injury, treatment will depend on how severe the injury is and how it has affected your vision. Some improvement may occur over time, but in certain cases, tunnel vision can be permanent.

Some prescription medications may help reduce tunnel vision. These can include:

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Whatever eye condition you may have, this is a delicate medical issue that requires a thorough examination and appropriate treatment by a skilled, experienced ophthalmologist using effective medical tools that deliver real results. Whatever problem is affecting your eyes, you can book an appointment at Batal Specialized Medical Complex for a comprehensive eye exam and to begin addressing your vision issues.

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