What is peripheral vision and why is it so important?
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-GettyImages-154032428-b5a5990637824331a1a1b1bb4c0bb5d9.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1)
The peripheral vision is what you see beyond your direct line of view. It helps to provide a complete idea of your environment without moving your head.
Jump at the main dishes to remember.
Competients / Getty images
How does peripheral vision work?
In the eye, the stems and cones are two types of photoreceptor cells that detect light and convert it into electrical signals for the brain.
The cones are mainly located in the Macula, which is the center of the retina. These cells give sight of its vision of colors. The other parts of the retina mainly contain stems, which provide a peripheral and night vision.
VS VS VS peripheral
The peripheral vision is what you can see in the corners of your eyes without moving your head. The view worsens while it moves to the periphery. The typical human eye has a visual field of 170 degrees – 70 degrees of central vision and 100 degrees of peripheral vision.
Central vision is what people see right in front of them. People use it when they read, lead and see faces or anything immediately in front of them. The central vision is clearer and clearer than peripheral vision.
Why peripheral vision is important for your daily life
The peripheral vision helps people to see what is on the sides or the corners of their eyes. This is useful in many different daily activities and tasks.
Peripheral vision helps:
- Prevents from tripping during walking or running
- Avoid physical obstacles
- AIDS in multitasking
- Improves sports performance
- Makes driving safer
Causes of peripheral vision loss (vision of the tunnel)
Peripheral vision loss, also known as the vision of the tunnel, is generally the symptom of a state of health. Many conditions can cause this change of vision. Some of its most common causes are:
Additional causes of peripheral vision loss include:
What are the symptoms of peripheral vision problems?
Peripheral vision loss can occur gradually or suddenly. When this occurs gradually, the person may not notice it.
Someone who has a peripheral vision loss can see that he stumbles on objects or drives. A 2021 study revealed that the participants had difficulties with:
- Conduct
- Bang
- By reading
- Move through the crowds
The study also revealed that the limitations of the vision had a considerable impact on the emotional and social well-being of a person. Participants reported frustration, anger, stress and depression because of their limited vision.
How is peripheral vision tested?
Peripheral vision tests can take place in a doctor’s office in account. The doctor will use different methods to assess peripheral vision and determine if there is a vision loss. You will find below the different methods of peripheral vision test.
DIY tests
DIY or home peripheral vision tests are less reliable than tests in an eye doctor’s office.
Home tests with an AMSLER grid for vision loss linked to age -related macular degeneration (AMD) can help. This type of test is generally for central vision, but it can also detect certain peripheral changes.
Medical tests
An ophthalmologist can perform various tests, including:
- Visual confrontation examination: A health care provider is in front of the person passing the test. They will ask the person to cover an eye and look straight before the eye discovered. The health care provider will move his hand on the side in the peripheral vision of the person and ask when he can see her hand.
- Tangent screen or Goldmann field exam: A person is 3 feet from a black screen with a target in the center. The person informs the supplier when they see an object moving in their field of vision on the screen.
- Goldmann perimeter and automated perimetry: This is a test to find changes in the visual field. The supplier will ask the person to look at a dome with a target in the middle. The person will press a button when they see lightning of light in their peripheral vision.
How can you improve peripheral vision?
Improving peripheral vision loss often starts with the treatment of the underlying cause. Other ways to help improve peripheral vision loss consist of eye exercises, lifestyle changes and medical treatments. Here are the descriptions of different techniques and how they can improve vision loss.
Eye -work and training techniques
Eye exercises could improve peripheral vision. Here are some to try at home:
- Peripheral consciousness: While focusing on an object on the wall, try to identify objects in your peripheral vision.
- Object monitoring: While focusing on an object on the wall, follow objects that move in and out of your peripheral vision.
- Sporty: Doing sports, in particular ball sports like football, forces you to monitor a whole field.
Lifestyle and health advice
Life and health advice to maintain the central and peripheral vision include:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Use protective glasses if necessary.
- Avoid smoking.
- Prevent eye infections.
- Know the family’s history of the family’s eyes.
Medical treatments for vision loss
Medical treatments for vision loss vary depending on the cause. If vision loss is caused by glaucoma, drugs are available to slow the progression of vision loss.
When should you see a health care provider?
Anyone who suffers a vision loss should see a health care provider for a full examination. Many conditions can lead to vision loss, and it is important to request treatment as soon as possible. An ophthalmologist is a doctor specializing in the eyes and must be seen for advanced eye care, such as vision loss.
Main to remember
- Peripheral vision is the ability to see through the sides or out of the corners of the eyes, which is used during most daily activities.
- Peripheral vision can be lost for various reasons, generally associated with an underlying state of health.
- Contact a health care provider if you feel changes in your vision to receive an in -depth assessment and a personalized treatment plan.




