Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Peripheral vision is what you see on the sides when you look straight ahead, and it is more important than most people realize. If you or someone in your family has trouble noticing movement or objects “out of the corner of the eye,” peripheral vision glasses may help.
In this blog, you will learn what peripheral vision loss is, what causes it, who is most at risk, and how specially designed glasses can improve safety and confidence in everyday life.
We provide eye care for children and adults at our locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. We accept Medicaid!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Peripheral vision glasses help people with tunnel vision or side vision loss stay safe and independent, but they must be carefully prescribed based on the cause and pattern of the vision loss.
What Is Peripheral Vision Loss?
Peripheral vision loss means you can see clearly in front of you but miss what is happening to the side. This condition is often called tunnel vision, because your sight feels like you are looking through a narrow tube.
Peripheral vision helps you:
- Detect motion and objects coming from the side
- Walk or drive safely
- Maintain balance and spatial awareness
- Read large areas or navigate crowds
When this vision narrows or disappears, people may bump into objects, trip, or miss key visual cues. It can affect daily tasks like walking, reading, or driving.
What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss?
Peripheral vision problems can result from several eye conditions and systemic diseases. These conditions can damage the retina, optic nerve, or visual pathways in the brain.
Common causes include:
- Glaucoma: Gradual pressure damage to the optic nerve.
- Retinitis pigmentosa: A rare inherited disease that causes the peripheral retina to deteriorate.
- Stroke or brain injury: Damage to the brain’s visual processing areas.
- Detached retina: A medical emergency that can cause sudden vision loss.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Changes in blood vessels due to uncontrolled diabetes.
- Optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis: Inflammation that affects the optic nerve.
- Advanced age-related macular degeneration: In some cases, central vision is preserved while peripheral areas decline.
Some medications, eye injuries, or even brain tumors can also reduce peripheral vision.
Who Is Most Likely to Need Peripheral Vision Glasses?
Peripheral vision glasses are not for general use, they are designed for people with a documented field loss, usually confirmed through a visual field test.
Most likely to benefit:
- People with glaucoma, especially moderate to severe stages
- Older adults with age-related vision changes
- Individuals recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury
- Children or teens with retinal conditions
- Anyone who feels unsafe while walking or driving due to vision gaps
A licensed eye doctor, a low vision specialist or an ophthalmologist can evaluate whether peripheral vision glasses are appropriate based on your eye health, lifestyle, and daily needs.
How Peripheral Vision Glasses Work
Peripheral vision glasses use optical technology to expand or redirect the visual field so the brain can detect more of the surrounding environment. There are different types of designs depending on the nature and severity of vision loss.
Types of peripheral vision glasses:
- Prism glasses: Use small wedge-shaped lenses to shift images from the blind side into the area of usable vision. These are helpful after a stroke or brain injury.
- Reverse telescopes: Minify the central image, helping bring more into view, especially for those with tunnel vision.
- Sectoral prisms or side-mounted mirrors: Provide orientation cues from one side, often used with vision loss from glaucoma or hemianopia.
These glasses require customization. Each patient may need a slightly different configuration depending on how much peripheral vision is lost and where. They may also require some rehabilitation and training to use effectively.
How to Get Peripheral Vision Glasses
Peripheral vision glasses are not available through most regular optical shops or standard eye exams. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with peripheral vision loss, the next step is to see a low vision specialist or an optometrist trained in vision rehabilitation. These professionals can assess whether special lenses or visual field expansion devices are appropriate for your needs.
The process includes:
- A full review of medical and eye history
- Peripheral field testing
- Evaluation of daily needs
- Custom lens fitting or device selection
- Training and follow-up adjustments
Schedule a Vision Evaluation
At Youth Vision, we offer comprehensive eye exams and personalized care for children, teens, and adults. If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in side vision or has questions about low vision aids, we can perform an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist if needed. Our eye doctors accept Medicaid and are here to help guide your next steps.
Schedule an eye exam at one of our convenient locations:
- Denver Youth Vision, located at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204, 303-825-2295
- Aurora Youth Vision, located at 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011, 303-343-3133
- Thornton Youth Vision, located at 9674 Washington Street, Thornton, CO 80229, 303-953-880
- Hampden Youth Vision, located at 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231, 720-866-9906
FAQs About Peripheral Vision Glasses
Do people who wear glasses have peripheral vision?
People who wear standard glasses still have peripheral vision unless their lenses or frames block it. However, some glasses with thick frames or strong prescriptions may slightly limit side vision. Peripheral vision glasses are designed to enhance and redirect what a person can see on the sides.
What frames are best for peripheral vision?
Rimless or thin-rimmed frames are best for preserving peripheral vision. Wide or bulky frames can block side views and may interfere with how the lenses redirect peripheral images. A low vision specialist can recommend the most suitable frame design based on your condition.
How can I improve my peripheral vision?
Peripheral vision cannot always be restored, but you can improve awareness through visual training, eye movement exercises, and using adaptive tools like prism glasses. Staying up to date with eye exams and managing underlying conditions like glaucoma or diabetes is also essential.
