KIMBERLY ANN LUCEY, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
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Visual Field Test
Provided by The American Academy of Ophthalmology
What is a Visual Field test?
Your visual field is how much you can see around you. it included your central and peripheral vision. A visual field test creates a map of your visual field. This map shows where you can see , as well as where you may have trouble seeing things. ophthalmologist use a visual field test to diagnose and monitor certain eye problems, such a glaucoma.
What happens in a Visual Field test?
Your eye doctor or a technician will test one of your eyes at a time. He or she will put a patch over the eye not being tested. You will sit at the edge of a large, bowl-shaped device called a "perimeter." Your chin will be in a chin rest to keep you from looking around or moving your head.
Visual field testing is used to monitor peripheral, or side, vision. You will be asked to look at a spot straight ahead. A computer will make sounds, sometimes followed by a flash of light. Any time you see a light you simply press a button.
In one test, lights move from outside your visual field towards the center of your vision. As soon as you can see the light, you press the button.
In the other type of test, lights suddenly appear in different areas on the screen. They do not move from one area to another. When you see them you press the button.
It is important to keep looking straight ahead. Do not move your eyes to look for a light. Also, do not worry if you have trouble seeing some of the lights. This is normal and expected. The test is designed to use very dim lights so your doctor can determine your full range of vision.
Speak up if you get tired during this test. The technician can stop the test until you are ready to start again. After you finish the visual field test, your ophthalmologist will talk with you about the results.
Visual Field tests may be a regular part of your treatment.
Depending on your eye problem, your ophthalmologist may want you to have a visual field test 1-2 times each year. This helps them monitor changes in your vision and make any needed treatment changes.
Summary
A visual field test measures how much you can see around you. Ophthalmologists often use this test to diagnose and monitor eye problems.
To take the test, you sit at a device called a perimeter with one eye covered. When you see a light appear on a screen, you simply press a button. This test is repeated using the other eye.
Your ophthalmologist will tell you how often you should have a visual field test.
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