Loss of peripheral vision is most likely caused by which eye condition?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Macular degeneration
• C. Detached retina
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (D)

Loss of peripheral vision is most characteristic of glaucoma, an optic neuropathy driven by elevated intraocular pressure. This pressure damages the nerve fibers that detect the outer parts of the visual field, so the patient tends to notice their side or peripheral vision narrowing first, while central vision stays relatively clear until the disease is advanced. Cataracts cloud vision in general without selectively shrinking the peripheral field. Macular degeneration targets the central retina (the macula), leading to central vision loss, not the peripheral field. A detached retina can cause sudden changes, such as flashes, floaters, or a curtain over part of the vision, but the classic gradual peripheral field loss aligns best with glaucoma.