If you have peripheral vision loss, you are not able to see on the sides of your eyes while you are looking ahead. There are many things that can cause this problem. It is important to determine the source of the problem so you can know how to treat it.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eyeball, which results in gradual vision loss. Think of it as a basketball. It needs a certain amount of pressure to keep its shape. If you put too much air in the basketball, however, the pressure is increased and the basketball can burst. Your eyes also need to keep a certain internal fluid pressure to keep their globe-like shape. If not, this pressure will damage the optic nerves, and once this happens, the damage cannot be reversed.

In many cases, you will lose your peripheral vision first. Your eye doctor can help correct peripheral vision loss by using a special type of contact lenses or eye glasses. These glasses have a prism that is added to the prescription, which can expand your field of vision. You will not get 100% of your peripheral vision back, but these glasses and contacts can help get you a little back.

The doctor may suggest surgery to decrease eye pressure by installing a tiny eye stent in your eye. If the surgery works, you might be able to stop taking your glaucoma medications.

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) is usually painless, but causes abrupt loss of your peripheral vision. In some cases, central vision is also affected. The cause of BRAO comes from a plaque or clot breaking loose from your carotid, which is the main artery in your neck. Most people with this problem are found to have high cholesterol, narrowing of the neck artery, cardiac disease, and high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly, along with your blood cholesterol levels. Exercising and eat a low fat diet can also help.

Detached Retina

A detached retina can cause complete vision loss if not treated. This happens when your retina is separated from its supportive tissue. You may first notice symptoms like blurred vision, peripheral vision loss, and eye floaters. You may have these symptoms gradually, because the retina pulls away from the tissue gradually. You will usually feel no pain as your retina is pulling away also.

Unless you see your eye doctor to have the retina reattached quickly, you will have permanent vision loss.

Make sure you take care of your eyes by quitting smoking, eating healthy, and wearing sunglasses. If you are interested in a treatment option like the i stent, check it out with your local eye doctor.