From the Guidelines
Tunnel vision, or peripheral vision loss, can be caused by several chronic conditions, with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) being a key condition to consider, as it can lead to permanent structural neuroretinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage, and subsequent long-term vision loss and decreased vision-related quality of life 1. The most common causes of tunnel vision include:
- Glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure
- Retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder causing gradual retinal degeneration
- Advanced diabetic retinopathy, where diabetes damages blood vessels in the retina
- Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve often associated with multiple sclerosis
- Stroke affecting visual pathways in the brain
- Brain tumors compressing visual pathways Other causes include chronic papilledema from increased intracranial pressure, certain medications like anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin, vigabatrin), and advanced retinal detachment. CSC is characterized by a serous neuroretinal detachment, which can be either acute or chronic, with chronic CSC (cCSC) being more likely to lead to permanent vision loss and decreased quality of life 1. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection, as many of these conditions can be managed if caught early. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include pressure-lowering eye drops for glaucoma, blood sugar control for diabetic retinopathy, or specific treatments for inflammatory or neurological conditions 1. It is essential to note that the classification of CSC remains controversial, and distinguishing between clinical subtypes of CSC is important for determining the optimal treatment strategy 1. In cases of cCSC complicated by macular neovascularization, treatment options may include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, such as ranibizumab or aflibercept, or photodynamic therapy (PDT) 1. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the causes and treatment options for tunnel vision is essential for providing effective care and improving patient outcomes.
From the Research
Tunnel Vision Chronic Causes
- There are no direct research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on glaucoma treatment and retinitis pigmentosa management.
- However, some studies mention visual field defects and loss of vision, which can be related to tunnel vision:
- A study on glaucoma treatment 2 mentions that glaucoma can lead to progressive and irreversible loss of vision.
- A study on retinitis pigmentosa 3 mentions that affected individuals experience gradual loss of visual function, with primary symptoms of progressive nyctalopia, constricted visual fields, and ultimately, central vision loss.
- It is essential to note that tunnel vision can be caused by various factors, including glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and other conditions affecting the eyes or brain.
- Further research is needed to determine the chronic causes of tunnel vision, as the provided studies do not directly address this topic.