The visual field is the entire area one can see. It includes central and peripheral (side) vision. A visual field test can detect problems with vision in any part of the visual field. Changes in the visual field may be difficult to notice since both eyes are generally used at the same time. One eye can sometimes compensate for some vision loss in the other. A problem may not be detected until each eye is tested separately.
The visual field test provides information that no other test can. It is used to detect many diseases, such as glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa, which affect the eye, optic nerve, and brain. It can also help diagnose brain tumors, strokes, and other conditions. Visual field testing helps diagnose the disease and can follow the progress of the disease and its treatment.
During a visual field test, one eye is temporarily covered while the other eye is being tested. You are asked to look straight ahead at a fixed spot and watch for targets to appear in your field of vision.
Our office uses the latest Humphrey visual field machine. This test provides accurate results within five minutes per eye. This machine can also perform a blue-yellow visual field to detect glaucoma earlier than most other tests when the suspicion for glaucoma is high.
An annual visual field examination is an important part of glaucoma management.