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Home > Blindness Basics > Common Eye Conditions > Loss of Peripheral Vision

Loss of Peripheral Vision

Loss of peripheral vision, commonly known as “tunnel vision,” occurs when the centre of the visual field functions but peripheral vision is absent. Glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa are common causes of this type of blindness. People with limited peripheral vision may need to stand directly in front of something or turn their head in order to see it. They can experience difficulty navigating through the built environment.

Photograph of the CNIB logo on the side of the CNIB building.
View of a building with full vision.
Photo 1.1.2: Example of the loss of peripheral vision where all but the central circle of the field of vision is greyed out.
Figure 1.1.1.2: View of a building with loss of peripheral vision.