Tunnel Vision
Tunnel vision in the physical sense means loss of peripheral vision (side vision). In the medical realm, glaucoma, macular degeneration, some strokes, and migraines can cause the vision loss.
Emotionally, tunnel vision may promote anxiety because of intense focus. Cognitively, a person may have difficulty solving a problem because they can only “see” one solution. What to do?
What To Do
As a Physical Therapist (PT DPT), I’ve been privileged to evaluate and treat patients with physical, emotional, and cognitive tunnel vision.
Physical
People can learn to scan for dangers, obstacles. Sometimes we use their focus to maintain balance. An individualized plan of care can teach these skills. It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Emotional
Anxiety rears its head when someone fears “what-if.” What if I fall, fail, lose control? Their desire to get out of the house, try Uber or ask others for rides, cook…the bigger world shrinks dramatically.
Sometimes medication is in order. We encourage health team communication with doctors, nurse practitioners (NP), or physician assistants(PA).
These licensed professionals consult with the patient and the occupational (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT). Educating significant others, family, friends is a prime aim if the patient agrees. Looking around and gaining support promotes success.
Cognitive
Rather than holding tightly to one, problem-solving frees an individual to look around. In the medical field we call this executive function. I like to think it puts the person in the “driver’s seat.” They may need someone else to “help with GPS or maps” (figurative) but validating someone’s abilities sparks confidence. When your world takes a beating, we come alongside to encourage.
When I don’t see a way around or through difficulty, I look around. Outside of myself. Fresh air. New thoughts. I hope you will, too.
What do you do in these cases?