Visual Field Testing
What Is It & Why Is It Important?
What is Visual Field Testing?
Visual field testing is an essential tool in eye care, designed to evaluate the full range of a person’s vision, including both central and peripheral sight. This test helps detect blind spots or areas of reduced vision. By carefully assessing how well you can see objects at the edges of your vision while focusing on a central point, visual field testing provides valuable insight into the health and functionality of your eyes.
This evaluation is particularly important for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of conditions. It plays a crucial role in identifying issues early, allowing for timely treatment to protect and preserve vision. Whether you’re experiencing noticeable symptoms or simply want a comprehensive understanding of your eye health, visual field testing is a key component of proactive eye care.
The Importance of Visual Field Testing.
Visual field tests are effective measures for optometrists to accurately diagnose and manage various eye diseases. They play a crucial role in detecting conditions such as glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and often causes peripheral vision loss before central vision is affected. Retinal conditions like retinitis pigmentosa can also impact peripheral vision, while neurological disorders, including strokes, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis, may lead to visual field defects.
By identifying these issues early, visual field testing enables timely treatment to preserve vision and address underlying health concerns. Regular testing is especially important for individuals at higher risk, as early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
It is non-invasive and painless. You’ll typically sit in front of a machine like our Medmont Visual field analyser pictured on the right, focus on a central target, and press a button whenever you see lights or patterns in your side vision.
The test results will show any areas where your vision is reduced or absent, helping us diagnose and track any conditions. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or have concerns about conditions like glaucoma, book an appointment with The Eyecare Spot today.
