From the Guidelines
Partial loss of normal peripheral vision is best described as a condition where the visual field diameter is reduced, which can be classified based on the severity of the impairment, such as moderate, severe, or profound visual impairment, as defined in the vision rehabilitation preferred practice pattern 1. When describing this condition, it is essential to specify the extent of the loss, whether it affects one or both eyes, and any patterns such as patchy loss or specific quadrants being affected. The severity of visual impairment can be categorized based on the best-corrected visual acuity and visual field diameter, with moderate visual impairment having a visual acuity of less than 20/60 to 20/160, severe visual impairment having a visual acuity of less than 20/160 to 20/400 or a visual field diameter of 20 degrees or less, and profound visual impairment having a visual acuity of less than 20/400 to 20/1000 or a visual field diameter of 10 degrees or less, as stated in the study published in Ophthalmology 1. Note any accompanying symptoms like blurriness, distortion, or difficulty seeing in dim light, and document when the symptoms began, if they're worsening, stable or improving, and any activities or circumstances that seem to trigger or worsen the symptoms. This detailed description helps healthcare providers diagnose underlying causes, which may include glaucoma, retinal disorders, neurological conditions, or medication side effects, and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment by an eye care professional to prevent further vision deterioration, as emphasized in the vision rehabilitation preferred practice pattern 1. The description should be as specific as possible because different patterns of peripheral vision loss can point to different underlying conditions requiring specific treatments. Key points to consider when describing partial loss of normal peripheral vision include:
- Extent of the loss (mild, moderate, severe)
- Laterality (one or both eyes)
- Patterns of loss (patchy, specific quadrants)
- Accompanying symptoms (blurriness, distortion, difficulty seeing in dim light)
- Onset and progression of symptoms
- Triggers or exacerbating factors, as discussed in the study published in Ophthalmology 1.