What condition is characterized by peripheral vision loss?

The condition characterized by peripheral vision loss is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to damage to the optic nerve, primarily due to increased pressure in the eye. As the disease progresses, it often results in the loss of peripheral vision, creating a "tunnel vision" effect where individuals can see objects directly in front of them but have difficulty seeing things to the sides.

In contrast, cataracts typically affect the clarity of vision rather than the field of vision. They cause clouding of the lens, which may lead to difficulties with distance vision or overall blurriness, but do not specifically result in peripheral vision loss. Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina—the macula—leading to a loss of central vision while peripheral vision often remains intact. Retinopathy, particularly diabetic retinopathy, involves damage to the blood vessels of the retina and can lead to various vision problems, but it does not primarily present with peripheral vision loss. Each of these other conditions has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from glaucoma's specific impact on peripheral vision.