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 that may not be immediately noticeable but can indicate underlying eye conditions or neurological issues. 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.
Measuring Your Peripheral Vision
Why Do We Perform Them?
The Importance of Visual Field Testing
Visual field tests are effective measures for optometrists to accurately diagnose and managing various eye diseases. This includes:
Glaucoma: This condition damages the optic nerve and often causes peripheral vision loss before central vision is affected.
Retinal Conditions: Diseases like retinitis pigmentosa can impact peripheral vision.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as strokes, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis may cause visual field defects.
By detecting these issues early, visual field testing allows for timely treatment to preserve your vision and address underlying health concerns.
What to Expect During a Visual Field Test
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.
