Peripheral vision is something most people don’t think about—until you no longer have it. Peripheral vision allows us to detect motion and obstacles outside of the line of sight without turning our heads. When this ability becomes limited, whether due to disease or injury, navigating the world becomes more challenging, and the risk of trips and falls increases. In this article, we look at the role peripheral vision plays in our sight and discuss strategies and aids to cope with peripheral vision problems and move more safely.
What Is Peripheral Vision?
Peripheral vision, also known as side vision, allows you to see objects and movement that are not in your direct line of sight. Also referred to as “tunnel vision,” this visual impairment is often compared to looking through a cardboard tube—you can see in front of you, but not out to the sides.
Peripheral vision plays a key role in helping you move through the world every day, allowing you to notice—and avoid—hazards like steps, uneven surfaces, furniture, pets, and other people.
What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss?
Peripheral vision problems can occur for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include glaucoma, stroke or brain injury, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal disease, optic nerve disease, and certain neurologic conditions. Depending on the cause, side vision loss can happen suddenly, or it may be a gradual loss.
How Can Lack of Peripheral Vision Affect Mobility?
When side vision is limited, getting around can be challenging. You might find yourself bumping into door frames, misjudging the stairs, or running into people in crowds, all of which increase the likelihood of losing your balance. While avoiding unfamiliar situations may seem like a way to stay safe, this can end up leading to unintended effects of decreased confidence and social isolation over time.
How Can You Make Your Home Safer with Peripheral Vision Loss?
Most people don’t realize just how much they rely on peripheral vision until it starts to change. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way. There are many simple adjustments to your environment and daily habits that can make a big difference in your confidence and safety level.
The home is a good place to start, and here are some easy changes you can make:
- Lighting: Improve lighting in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and entryways. Small thresholds entering a home or between rooms can be a significant fall risk.
- High-Contrast Taping: Consider adding brightly colored tape to mark steps, door frames, and furniture.
- Remove Hazards: Eliminate tripping hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and other clutter on the floor.
- Pathway Security: Keep walkways clear and furniture in established locations.
- Pet Location: Put a bell on your pet’s collar, so you always know when they are underfoot.
How Can You Be Safer Outside the Home?
Outdoor environments, particularly unfamiliar locales, are less predictable and increase the chance of a fall. Taking a more mindful approach to how you move can help you stay safer and regain confidence. Consider:
- Using handrails when they are available
- Pausing before stepping down off curbs or going down stairs to orient yourself
- Allowing extra time to move through crowds
- Walking with a companion, when possible
- Staying aware of changes in walking surfaces, such as from sidewalk to grass or gravel
- Wearing footwear with good traction
Are There Behavioral Modifications that Can Increase Safety?
In addition to changes in your environment, there are behavioral modifications you can make to improve safety. Consider:
- Scanning Techniques: To make up for lost peripheral vision, teach yourself to turn your head frequently, side to side and up to down.
- Mobility Aids: A cane can help to detect obstacles in your path, particularly in unfamiliar locations.
- Regular Eye Exams: Stay current on your eye exams to monitor for changes.
What Low Vision Aids Can Help?
For some, lifestyle modifications may not be enough. In these cases, low vision care can play an important role in improving safety and day-to-day functioning.
Examples of devices and glasses that can help our patients include:
- Side vision awareness glasses
- Sectoral and full-field prisms (such as Peli prisms)
- Handheld spotting scopes
- Field-expanding (reverse) telescopes
- Wearable ultrasonic obstacle detectors (such as Ocutech SideSight)
Depending on the cause and pattern of vision loss, some patients also benefit from orientation and mobility training, contrast enhancement, selective lighting adjustments, filters, or other low vision tools.
A low vision evaluation with Midwest Low Vision can help identify the specific challenges peripheral vision loss is creating and determine which strategies and devices may be most effective in reducing fall risk and improving confidence with mobility.
Conclusion
If you deal with peripheral vision loss, or have concerns about mobility due to vision challenges, we may be able to help. The first step is to talk with your optometrist or consult a low vision doctor near you. If you are in the Bloomington, Clarksville, or Evansville, Indiana areas, Midwest Low Vision can help you regain confidence and independence with custom solutions for your vision needs. Give us a call at 877-577-2040 or contact us on our website.