A vision field test is a method of measuring an individual’s entire scope of vision, that is their central and peripheral (side) vision. Visual field testing is most frequently used to detect signs of glaucoma damage to the optic nerve but is also used for detection of central or peripheral retinal diseases, ptosis, optic nerve damage and disease, and conditions affecting the visual pathways from the optic nerve to the area of the brain (occipital cortex) where this information is processed into vision.
There are 2 popular types of testing: confrontation visual field test (CVFT) and automated perimetry test (APT). With the CVFT, you will be asked to look directly at an object in front of you, (such as the doctor’s nose) while one of your eyes is covered. Your doctor may hold up different numbers of fingers in areas of your peripheral (side) vision field and ask how many you see as you look at the target in front of you. APT is a computerized test where you will be asked to look at a dot in the center and small, dim lights will begin to appear in different places throughout the bowl, and you will press a button whenever you see a light. The machine tracks which lights you did not see. Because you are looking straight ahead during the test, your doctor can tell which lights you see outside of your central area of vision. Since glaucoma affects peripheral vision, this test helps show if there is vision loss outside of your central visual field. This test creates a more detailed map for your doctor to monitor your vision.
For more information on the Vision Field Test, call our office or schedule an appointment with Dr. Wise: 609.652.1010
