What could cause brief tunnel vision episodes at rest?

[JonathanM]

Lately I’ve been getting these weird moments where my vision sort of tunnels for a few seconds, like everything at the edges just grays out, and I feel a bit spacey. It’s not exactly dizziness, but it’s happened a couple times when I was just sitting at my desk. Has anyone else experienced something like this? I’m not sure if it’s just stress or something worth mentioning to my doctor.

[Layla_D]

That tunnel vision moment sounds alarming. When it happens you feel spacey and the edges go gray. It might be stress or fatigue but it could also be something a clinician should check. If it happens again or you notice new symptoms consider calling your doctor or booking an appointment.

[AveryM]

From a basic science view this could be a migraine aura or a temporary change in blood flow to the brain such as from dehydration or low blood pressure. Try staying hydrated and steady your rhythm at the desk. If the episode lasts longer than a minute or you have weakness or trouble speaking see a clinician soon. Also tunnel vision is not unheard of with migraines.

[MadisonW]

Maybe it is just a quirky moment of sleepiness from staring at a screen too long. It feels odd to have it while you are sitting and not moving. It could be nothing serious but worth noting and if the tunnel vision repeats you might want to get checked.

[AdamAM]

Consider whether this is a signal about how your nervous system handles sensory input rather than a single body part failing. It could be related to eye strain neck posture or how long you stay focused at the screen. Tunnel vision here would be a clue about processing not a simple eye thing.

[Oliver.M]

Maybe you are reacting to a bright light or a rush of caffeine and your brain trims the field to a narrow view. It might be nothing but it dulls your environment for a moment.

[Jason86]

From a writing brain this feels like a motif where the scene contracts. You can describe it by focusing on the edges going gray and a pause in thought. It leaves space for the reader and the moment feels unsettled.

[Michael78]

Keep a small log of when it happens and note any triggers like time of day posture sleep or meals. It could help a clinician sort out whether this is vision related or something else.