🎧Deep Dive: TunnelVision – When Your World Narrows

Everfeel like your side vision just disappears — like looking through a straw?That’s Tunnel Vision, and today we’re unpacking it in full: causes,clues, complications, and how to spot it before it becomes sight-threatening. 👁️🚧

Whether you'rerevising for the MSRA or just curiousabout this strange visual symptom, this is your rapid-fireguide to what matters most.

👁️What is TunnelVision?

A loss of peripheral vision with preserved central clarity – as if looking through atunnel.

Often a symptom, not a standalone disease.

💡 Mnemonic: “Eyes, Nerves, Brain, Others” – key categories of causes!

🧠Causes – Think ENBO:

Eyes – 👁️ Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa

Nerves – ⚡ Optic neuritis, Papilledema

Brain – 🧠 Lesions, Strokes, Tumours

Others – 💊 Medications, Toxins, Infections

⚠️Risk Factors

• Family history(esp. RP or glaucoma)

• History of eyetrauma or optic nerve disease

• Toxin exposure(e.g. ethambutol)

• Ageing or chroniceye disease

🧪Pathophysiology in 10Seconds

Damage to theretina, optic nerve, or visual processing areas of the brain → reducedtransmission of peripheral input → central vision preserved but the edges fade.

🩺DifferentialDiagnosis

• Glaucoma – gradual peripheral loss

• Optic nerve disease – inflammation, compression

• Neurological lesions – post-chiasmal strokes ortumours

• Retinal dystrophies – inherited, progressive

🔬Investigations

• Perimetry (Visual Field Testing) – maps theblind spots

• Fundoscopy/OCT – checks optic nerve &retina

• MRI brain/orbits – assesses nerve and braincauses

• 🧪 Bloods – autoimmune or infective markers if needed

💡 Mnemonic: “POP-M” =Perimetry, OCT, Pupils, MRI

💊Management – Based onCause

• Glaucoma – eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, orsurgery

• Optic neuritis – steroids, MS workup

• Retinal disease – often supportive (low visionaids)

• Tumour/stroke – neurology/oncology input

• Low vision services – mobility training, visualaids, rehab

📈Prognosis

• Varies widely —some cases are progressive (e.g. RP, glaucoma), others may stabilise or improve(e.g. optic neuritis)

• Key: Earlydiagnosis & management preserves vision

🧱Complications

•Falls, mobility difficulty 🚶‍♂️

• Workor driving restrictions 🚗

•Psychological impact 🧠

• Riskof complete vision loss if untreated ❗

📚Quick Recap for theMSRA:

🔹Definition: Peripheral vision loss, central vision intact

🔹Causes: Eyes, nerves, brain, others

🔹Tests: Perimetry, fundoscopy, OCT, MRI

🔹Management: Treat underlying condition + rehab support

🔹High-yield signs: Bumping into things, needing to scan surroundingsmore actively, preserved reading vision

📎Useful MSRA Resourceson Tunnel Vision

📝 Revision Notes:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/tunnel-vision-revision-notes/

🧠 Flashcards:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/tunnel-vision-flashcards/

📂 Accordion Q&A Notes:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/tunnel-vision-accordion-qa-notes/

🧪 Rapid Quiz:

https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/tunnel-vision-rapid-quiz/

Bonus Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/tunnel-vision/

🌐 Main Site: https://www.passthemsra.com

🎁 Free MSRA Prep: https://www.freemrsra.com

💬Final Thought

Tunnelvision might sound straightforward, but it’s often your body whispering thatsomething deeper is wrong — in the eye, the nerve, or the brain. Spotting thatearly could be the difference between preserved vision and permanent loss. Stayalert. Stay curious. 👁️🔍

#MSRA #MSRARevision#TunnelVision #OphthalmologyMSRA #PeripheralVisionLoss #MSRAFlashcards#MSRAQuiz #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #VisualField #OpticNerve