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HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)decreased field of vision

People around me think I am staring at them although I am not. Please advise.

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have issues with my peripheral vision and I can see everything around me. This is particularly uncomfortable for me and people around me, as it seems like I am staring at them even though I am not looking at them.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are suffering from a peripheral vision that makes you see less, then we can look at glaucoma as a cause and not when the opposite is true, that is when you feel you are seeing everything, which is normal. The best way to get this clarified is with a visual fields test or perimetry. This also happens to be the very same test that is done for people diagnosed as "glaucoma suspects" before taking any decisions on treatment/management. If you do feel that people are thinking that you are staring at them, then you must check to see if your eyes are crossed outwards. This deviation can be episodic, so detecting it may be difficult. A simple test you can do at home to check if your eyes are crossing out is the Hirschberg's test. You will need the help of a friend or a family member to do this. While sitting straight and looking at a distant object, ask your friend to sit directly in front of you and shine a torchlight at the bridge of your nose and look at the reflection of light on the black portion of both your eyes. If it is exactly in the middle of each black part, then your eyes are straight, if not then they are crossed and you may have to see a doctor regarding this. I hope this helps. Review after one week.

The Probable causes

You have accommodation problems.

Investigations to be done

Please undergo alternate cover tests and perimetry.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is xotropia.

Preventive measures

I suggest you do convergence exercises.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 3, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 22, 2023

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