{"id":2499,"date":"2024-08-19T09:51:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T13:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=2499"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:40","slug":"peripheral-vision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/peripheral-vision","title":{"rendered":"What Is Peripheral Vision?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chances are you\u2019ve had the experience of being startled by something you\u2019ve seen out of the corner of your eye. Maybe someone snuck up on you, a bug whizzed by, or you just sensed motion off to the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That corner-of-the-eye vision is called peripheral vision, also known as your side vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what peripheral vision is and why it\u2019s important for your eyesight. We\u2019ll also discuss peripheral vision loss and its causes, symptoms, and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Worried about your peripheral vision?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

Our expert optometrists can diagnose any issues and recommend treatment<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Peripheral Vision: Definition and Effect on Your Eyesight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Peripheral vision is everything you see outside your central vision. It\u2019s the top, bottom, left, and right of your central vision without moving your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you look straight ahead, what you can see in front of you is your central vision, which is around 60 degrees (30 degrees per eye). Everything else outside of that 60 degrees is your peripheral vision, which covers approximately 120 degrees from side to side, 60 degrees up, and 75 degrees down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add central vision and peripheral vision together, and you get your entire visual field or field of vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why is your peripheral vision important? Your central vision is usually a lot more detailed than your peripheral vision. But having that peripheral view expands your field of vision beyond what you\u2019re focusing on directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With peripheral vision, your eyes can detect shapes and motion at the edges of your visual field, even if those things aren\u2019t as sharp as they might be in your central vision. This visual information allows you to be aware of what\u2019s going on around you. So, it\u2019s easier to do daily activities like driving, playing sports, and even just walking around without bumping into things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral Vision Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral vision loss is a partial or complete loss of peripheral vision. It shrinks your field of vision. This can cause blind spots, but it usually doesn\u2019t mean total blindness. Someone with a loss of peripheral vision often still has central vision. Peripheral vision loss can make it difficult to see anything that isn\u2019t straight in front of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, peripheral vision loss can be temporary. But, depending on the cause, it could be permanent. Both are important and need to be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible to investigate further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Tunnel Vision?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medically, tunnel vision is peripheral vision loss that strongly reduces or eliminates peripheral eyesight but leaves central vision intact. The result is a tunnel effect, like looking through a tube or a peephole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tunnel vision can severely affect your ability to engage in activities, especially those involving mobility, like walking or riding a bike. But it can even affect relatively motionless activities, too. For instance, someone with tunnel vision might have difficulty reading because they can only see a few words at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral Vision Loss Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral vision loss itself is a symptom of some eye and health conditions. (We\u2019ll get to these in a bit.) But peripheral vision loss has signs that may not be obvious. And sometimes, these signs can develop so slowly that you don\u2019t notice them at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The signs of peripheral vision loss depend on how much loss you\u2019re experiencing and whether it\u2019s in one eye or both. But you may become aware of symptoms even if you only partially lose peripheral vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral vision loss symptoms might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n