Tunnel Vision

Tunnel vision is another name for peripheral vision loss. It’s called tunnel vision because your ability to see can seem like you’re looking into a tunnel: you can only see what’s right in front of your eyes.

Tunnel vision changes your field of vision. That’s the whole area you can see when your eyes are looking straight ahead without moving. It’s made of two parts:

• Central vision: This is what’s directly in front of you, or what your eyes are pointed at. Objects in your central vision are sharper and clearer because they’re what your eyes are focused on.
• Peripheral vision: This is anything you can see that’s not directly in front of where you’re looking. You might see it referred to as your side vision. It’s what you can see out of the corner of your eye. Your peripheral vision is naturally a little less clear than your central vision.

If you have tunnel vision, your peripheral vision might be totally gone. Or it might be much blurrier than usual. Imagine looking through a cardboard paper towel tube. You can still see what’s on the other end of the tube, but everything to the sides will be blocked out.

You can have tunnel vision in one or both eyes at a time. You might feel dizzy or unsteady when standing or walking.

What are the most common causes of tunnel vision?

Conditions that damage your eyes can cause tunnel vision and make you lose your peripheral vision, including:

• Glaucoma
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Diabetes-related retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Optic neuritis
• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)

Issues that affect your brain, blood vessels or nerves can cause tunnel vision too. Examples include:

• Low blood pressure, especially issues like orthostatic hypotension and vasovagal syncope
• Migraine headaches
• Carotid artery disease
• Strokes
• Concussions
• High blood pressure

Tunnel vision treatments

An eye doctor or healthcare provider will diagnose and treat what’s causing tunnel vision. There are lots of different treatments because there are many causes of peripheral vision loss.

You might need medication. Or you may need surgery to repair damage inside your body that led to peripheral vision loss.

Your provider will tell you what to expect. Sometimes, tunnel vision is temporary and goes away when the cause is treated. Other cases permanently limit your peripheral vision. If the tunnel vision is permanent, your eye doctor will help you find ways to adjust to vision changes.

Having your eyes and vision checked regularly can help your eye doctor diagnose issues that might affect your vision right away. Ask them how often you need an eye exam.

When should this symptom be treated by a healthcare provider?

Visit an eye doctor or another healthcare provider as soon as you notice any changes in your eyes or vision. Especially if they happen suddenly.

Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden vision loss
• Severe eye pain
• Seeing new flashes or floaters in your eyes

Can panic attacks cause tunnel vision?

You can experience a lot of physical and mental symptoms during a panic attack. Some people feel like their field of vision narrows.

Talk to a healthcare provider or mental healthcare professional if you have panic attacks that last longer than 15 minutes or if they interfere with your day-to-day routine.