näkökenttäpuutoksina

Näkökenttäpuutos is a Finnish term that translates to "visual field defect" in English. It refers to the loss of vision in a specific area of the visual field. The visual field is the entire area that a person can see at any given moment, without moving their eyes or head. Defects can manifest as blind spots (scotomas), areas of reduced sensitivity, or even complete absence of vision within this field.

These defects can arise from a variety of underlying causes affecting different parts of the visual pathway, from the retina to the optic nerve and the visual processing centers in the brain. Common causes include glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve; macular degeneration, affecting the central vision; stroke, which can damage the visual cortex; and optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve. Traumatic brain injury can also lead to visual field defects.

Symptoms of a näkökenttäpuutos vary depending on the location and severity of the defect. A person might notice a shadowy area, difficulty seeing on one side, or a blind spot in the center of their vision. These can impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Diagnosis typically involves a visual field test, also known as perimetry, which maps out the sensitive and insensitive areas of a person's visual field. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and aims to manage the condition, prevent further vision loss, and improve functional vision.