Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Peripheral Vision
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Glaucoma: This is a common condition that can cause loss of peripheral vision due to increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve. It often progresses slowly and can lead to blindness if not treated.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): These conditions can cause sudden loss of peripheral vision, among other symptoms, due to decreased blood flow to parts of the brain responsible for vision.
- Pituitary Tumor: A tumor in the pituitary gland can compress the optic chiasm, leading to bitemporal hemianopia, which is a type of loss of peripheral vision.
- Retinal Detachment: This condition involves the separation of the retina from the back of the eye and can cause sudden loss of peripheral vision, often accompanied by floaters and flashes of light.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Brain Tumors: Although less common, tumors in the brain can compress or invade areas responsible for vision, leading to loss of peripheral vision. Early detection is crucial for treatment and survival.
- Aneurysm or Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): These vascular abnormalities can cause sudden loss of vision, including peripheral vision, due to bleeding or compression of nearby structures.
- Temporal Arteritis: This inflammatory condition can cause sudden loss of vision, including peripheral vision, if not promptly treated. It's more common in older adults.
- Rare diagnoses
- Choroidal Melanoma: A rare type of eye cancer that can cause loss of peripheral vision as it grows.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause loss of peripheral vision, often associated with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases.
- Migraine with Aura: Some migraines can cause transient loss of peripheral vision as part of their aura phase, though this is typically temporary and recurrent.