Loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision): causes and treatments

Causes of tunnel vision

The disease is still poorly understood. Doctors name factors that can provoke the disease:

• retinal degeneration;
• glaucoma;
• cataract;
• complications after laser photocoagulation;
• hypoxia;
• sudden changes in blood pressure;
• poisoning with nitrogenous substances;
• alcohol abuse;
• taking psychotropic drugs;
• neoplasms compressing the optic nerve;
• mechanical eye injuries and traumatic brain injuries;
• inflammatory processes in the brain;
• and others.

It is known that tunnel vision is not a genetic disease and is not inherited. However, a predisposition to other eye diseases increases the risk of tunnel vision.

Tunnel vision - seeing the light at the end of the tunnel

It has been scientifically proven that people receive 80–90% of information through vision. The organs of vision, brain, nervous system, and physiology are involved in this process. Thanks to the interaction of these structures, a person sees his environment at 180 degrees. And if suddenly one element fails, the entire system suffers. Read more about how the human visual field works and why people can find themselves in a visual “tunnel” (tunnel vision).

Panorama of the world

As was said earlier, with a fixed gaze, the average inhabitant of the planet sees the world in a coverage of 180 degrees horizontally, and approximately 130 degrees vertically. But this does not mean that a bright and clear picture appears from all sides. This definition of the boundaries of the visual field is suitable only for achromatic vision. And all because at the edges of the retina there are no receptors that distinguish colors. It is known that the smallest size of the field of view is for green, the largest is for blue. In addition to a small full-color range, a person can see three-dimensional objects with both eyes only at 110 degrees. Peripheral vision develops over several years of a child’s life and is considered fully developed by the age of 5–6 years. Interesting fact: all animals have different visual field boundaries. For example, some birds can simultaneously see the world around them almost 360 degrees.

The most important goal of this body function is the ability to freely navigate in space.

No peripheral vision

If the scope of the visual field narrows, the human eye perceives only the image that falls in the central region of the retina. Simply put, he sees objects as if in a tunnel or through a telescope. The result is spatial disorientation and panic.
In order to look at the world as before, you have to adapt to the current circumstances and turn your head more often. Tunnel vision syndrome can affect one or both eyes. The list of reasons for the occurrence of such a visual defect is quite long. Moreover, this frightening condition can be either fleeting or chronic. In the first case, loss of peripheral vision may occur due to a sudden drain of blood from the head. Astronauts and pilots often suffer from this. The causes of chronic syndrome are various diseases, most often glaucoma or retinal degeneration. Of course, in such cases it is impossible to do without treatment.

Symptoms

The first symptom is blurred vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Over time, a narrowing of the visual field is observed. To see objects on the sides, you have to turn your head. Then they find themselves in the field of central vision. Another common sign of pathology is scotomas. The patient sees dark spots (blind) that do not perceive light. This area of ​​vision appears blurry. The main problem is that the disease progresses very quickly. Vision deteriorates greatly within one to two weeks, so it is important to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Essence and symptoms

In humans, there are central and peripheral (lateral) fields of vision. Tunnel vision represents a narrowing of the peripheral field. In extreme cases of pathology, a person completely loses the ability to see objects that he is not looking at directly. Only what the eye is directly looking at falls into the viewing area.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of peripheral vision in a person’s life. Rays reflected from any objects are captured by the lateral zones of the retina, and information about their shape, size and other characteristics is subconsciously processed. Thus, a person receives information about objects moving to the side of him, which allows him to navigate in space both in the light and in the dark. Twilight vision also helps to see objects in the dark, the absence of which is popularly called “night blindness.”

When peripheral vision is lost, the individual loses the ability to quickly read or drive a car, since these activities require the widest possible viewing angle. The symptoms of tunnel vision make it much more difficult to function in a familiar environment.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose the disease, the ophthalmologist uses methods such as perimetry and tonometry. They make it possible to understand what exactly the patient sees. This allows us to determine the nature of the pathology and its degree. The underlying disease that led to the development of tunnel vision is being treated. Treatment can be medication or surgery. Whatever method the doctor chooses, you will still have to perform eye exercises. Gymnastics are also selected by an ophthalmologist. If the disease is neglected, you can permanently lose your visual functions. People who are at risk (those with glaucoma, cataracts or a predisposition to them) should be examined more often.

Correction

Correction of tunnel vision is better the earlier therapy is started. In some cases, it is possible to restore vision 100%, but most often patients come with an advanced form of the pathology. As a result, it is only possible to stop progress and maintain the range of visibility that is available at the time of the request.

In adults

First of all, it is important to identify the cause of the symptom. If these are third-party factors such as blood loss, nitrogen poisoning and overload, then you can simply eliminate the influencing factor and vision will gradually be restored to normal. If not eliminated, there is a risk of deterioration in visual acuity.

If tunnel syndrome is caused by degenerative processes in parts of the eye, then it is important to start treatment as early as possible. If retinal degeneration or glaucoma is stopped, there is a chance to restore vision. You can see how to check your eyesight at home here.

Video shows vision correction in adult men and women:

First of all you need:

• Do special exercises for the eyes. The doctor can tell you exactly what exercises will help significantly correct this defect and strengthen the visual apparatus.

  

• Treat the pathology that caused tunnel vision.
• Eliminate the main symptoms - eliminate inflammation, swelling.
• It is also necessary to improve the functioning of nerve impulses in tissues;
• Restore the work of those fibers that have not yet been destroyed by the disease.

Accordingly, drug treatment is used depending on the underlying pathology, as well as physical therapy. Physiotherapeutic procedures involve hardware treatment using various devices and programs. In some cases, laser vision correction may be used.

It may also be useful for you to learn about the cases in which chameleon glasses are used for vision and what their price is, described in detail here in the article.

Diagnostics

The diagnostic procedure begins with collecting a medical history. The complaints, time, duration and conditions of occurrence of symptoms are clarified. Data is collected on previous diseases, chronic pathologies, allergies, bad habits, medication intake, and surgical interventions. Detailed information leads in the direction of a correct diagnosis.

What methods are used to examine visual fields and diagnose eye pathology? One of the first methods is perimetry. This is a way to study the central and peripheral fields of vision and identify the loss of one of them. The procedure is performed manually and using automated methods.

Visual acuity is also determined and tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure) is performed.

Using ophthalmoscopy, the fundus of the eye is examined for the presence of pathologies of the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. The angle of the anterior chamber of the eye must be examined.

All diagnostic procedures are performed to identify the cause of tunnel vision and eliminate it.

How to treat?

There is no single scheme according to which doctors are faced with such a symptom. It all depends on what causes the condition that causes tunnel vision. If it is decompression sickness, then the patient is placed in a pressure chamber; in the case of oxygen starvation or blood loss, the deficiency is compensated.

But everything is more complicated when it comes to the chronic form. Fortunately, there are drugs such as “Emoxipin”, “Taufon”, etc., which have a beneficial effect on the restoration of peripheral vision. In addition, lutein also helps in this matter, although it is usually not easy to completely stop the process.

Guide pass

Mark Foster has put forward the idea that Mamun already knew about the original entrance and descending corridor, and was using the new forced tunnel for a different reason - perhaps to bypass the granite plugs blocking the ascending passage, perhaps to deliver the necessary equipment to build a bypass around these blocks - traffic jams But if Mamun did not discover the ascending corridor while he was digging his new tunnel, how did he even know about its existence? At that time, the ascending passage was completely unknown, so how was it discovered?

The authors came to the same conclusion. The key to finding the ascending passage is located outside the pyramid, east of the base and north of the paved "pyramid" road. There is, as Petrie called it, a “testing corridor”, an exact copy of the descending corridor in the Great Pyramid and the transition to the ascending corridor.

Since everything on the plateau has a purpose, what was the purpose of this structure? Petrie thought that this was a test bench on which the architect could test the placement of internal passages in the pyramid. Maybe. However, we think the real answer is: it is not a “testing corridor”, but a “guiding corridor”. Anyone interested, having studied this short system of passages, will clearly see a complete analogy with the real descending passage inside the pyramid, after walking a little along which he will come across a transition to another, ascending passage. The idea suggests itself: the real passages of the pyramid may have exactly the same configuration.

Thus, Mamun's people, who entered the pyramid through the original entrance, were not looking for an ascending passage blindly. And, as it turned out, successfully! But since they were unable to penetrate the granite plugs that blocked the ascending corridor, a small tunnel was dug around them through the softer limestone rock. Now Mamun could freely enter the chambers of the Tsar and Queen and capture the expected booty.

The only difference between the "guide corridor" and the actual passages is the vertical shaft in the "guide corridor" system to the intersection of the ascending and descending ones. The discovery of a similar shaft in the Great Pyramid will prove the complete identity of the “guide corridor” systems and the corridors of the pyramid, and, therefore, their clear interconnection.

Features and prevention

Especially at first, a person will need help from loved ones. The treatment takes quite a long time. Therefore, it is important that there are no objects in the house that could cause a tripping hazard. Over time, the body adapts to new conditions and a person will be able to see surrounding objects with the help of the correct turn of the head.

High-quality therapy involves full implementation of the exercises prescribed by the doctor. At the same time, the disease that caused tunnel vision is also treated. Thanks to therapy:

• swelling is relieved;
• the process of inflammation is suppressed;
• the functioning of nerve impulses improves;
• the work of fibers that are not yet completely destroyed is restored.

Treatment can be either medication or physiotherapy. Sometimes laser correction or surgical intervention is prescribed. Only those who have been fully examined can receive such treatment. If the development of the disease is stopped, it is possible to restore vision.

It is also interesting that in our time glasses have been created that help people suffering from tunnel vision. They have an electronic basis. And although they are still practically not used, active work is underway on them.

This is interesting: How to restore vision without leaving home

As you can see, tunnel vision is not an independent disease. It occurs due to pathological processes occurring in the body. If you promptly begin treatment of the ailment that caused the problem, you can prevent the development of the disease. In most cases, vision can be restored. However, if treatment was started at the wrong time, then you can become completely blind and it will no longer be possible to restore anything.

tunnel vision or tunnel vision in the Great Pyramid

The classic story of the discovery of the upper chambers inside the Great Pyramid of Giza is well known. In the ninth century, the Arab ruler of Cairo, known as Caliph Al Mamun, decided to find out what was inside the Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) and began digging a tunnel, breaking through the casing and blocks of the pyramid with hammers and chisels. By chance for the caliph, their activities shook the monumental structure so much that one stone fell from the ceiling of the ascending corridor.

The workers heard the noise, began to dig in that direction and discovered not only a descending passage, but also an ascending passage and all the upper rooms. After thousands of years of undisturbed peace, the hidden interior of the Great Pyramid, the chambers of the King and Queen, was opened, and their treasure would soon become the property of the Caliph.

But, as the story goes, there was no loot; the most ancient and precious of the “buffets” was completely empty. There were not only no funeral items, but also burial remains and even inscriptions! The first thought that should have visited the caliph was that the “grave” had been robbed, but how? Even if the mystery of the "mines" deep inside the pyramid had been solved by that time, it was hardly a suitable tunnel for removing the riches of the burial chamber. So where is all the unknown loot? The Caliph and his men must have been not only very angry after all the work they had done, but also intrigued.

Internal structure of the Great Pyramid

Peripheral vision

Peripheral (side) vision refers to the type of visual perception that is provided by separate areas of the retina. This type of visual function is necessary to provide a complete picture and complete orientation of a person in space.

A characteristic feature of peripheral vision is the difference between objects when light hits them. Moving or changing objects, as well as black and white colors, are best perceived with lateral vision.

Peripheral vision is less sharp than central vision. Its deterioration or absence is always associated with the presence of any pathologies of the visual apparatus.

Prevention

Tunnel vision is a serious disease that significantly worsens a person’s life and limits his capabilities. It can be difficult or even impossible to get rid of it, so care should be taken to prevent the disease.1. The first and basic rule is control over the state of the visual apparatus and general condition.

If you notice that your vision has become worse, do not delay visiting a specialist. The sooner the problem is identified, the more likely it is to be completely eliminated.2. Limit the time spent on the computer screen, TV and other gadgets. Eye strain leads to deterioration of the blood supply to the retina and provokes the development of many diseases, including tunnel vision.3.

To learn more about eye diseases and their treatment, use the convenient site search or ask a specialist a question.

Patients with an increased risk of loss of peripheral vision are recommended to be examined by an ophthalmologist 1-2 times a year. Prevention is also indicated for men and women over 35 years of age, persons with confirmed glaucoma, and cataracts. To reduce the risk of developing a dangerous disorder, you should minimize visual stress, avoid eye injury, and find time every day to perform special exercises that support the health of your visual organs.

How to get rid of tunnel thinking

It becomes clear that it is imperative to fight incorrect thinking. According to psychologists, by getting rid of mental limitations, habitual patterns are destroyed, and people learn to solve difficult situations more simply and painlessly.

After all, now they see not just one solution, but many of its variations.

Those with tunnel thinking have difficulty easily solving problems: they do not use the full potential of their thinking capabilities, which is why they suffer. And thanks to the elimination of internal limitations, the persistent fear of failure disappears, a person finds harmony, and his success in life increases.

But what should those who find themselves captive of their own thoughts do, how can they “find the light at the end of the tunnel”? Psychologists offer several ways:

• make an appointment with a psychotherapist and work through the problem with him;
• go to appropriate psychological training.

If you have diagnosed yourself with narrow-mindedness, feel uncomfortable, and depression gradually develops, be sure to talk to your loved ones and share your experiences with them. Keeping negative emotions inside without letting them out is extremely harmful to the psyche.

In particularly advanced cases, the doctor prescribes medications to the patient to cope with the symptoms of depression. But, under no circumstances self-medicate - it can lead to dire consequences.

Important! The biggest difficulty associated with treating tunnel thinking is that the patient often refuses to admit that he is thinking incorrectly and ruining his life.