A visual field test measures your side (peripheral) vision. It helps your eye care professional tell if you have lost side vision – a sign of glaucoma.

So your ophthalmologist has ordered a visual field test for you. You may be asking what this test is and does. A visual field test is a diagnostic vision test that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, brain tumors or other neurological defects.

How is a visual field test done?

An eye technician will begin by placing a patch over one eye and asking the patient to place their chin and head into the headrest and concentrate on fixating their vision on a target in the center of the visual field machine’s dome structure.

The test will start and while the patient is looking at that target, a series of pin-point light flashes randomly appear throughout the dome. The room will be near-dark to make it easier to see the light flashes. The patient, previously given a button to push when they see a flash, will depress the button when they see a light flash. The light flashes vary in size and brightness. The patient is repeatedly reminded to try not to follow the flashing lights and concentrate on the target while blinking naturally and pressing their button in response to the tiny flashes.

During the test, the patient is allowed to take a break or pause to ask questions. Once the visual field test is done, it will be repeated on the other eye.

Certain visual field test protocols can take longer than others. The average test takes 5-10 minutes per eye to complete. Once both eyes are tested, the ophthalmologist will go over the findings with the patient and discuss if any treatment or therapies are needed.

The Macula Center in Clearwater has an excellent glaucoma specialist on staff. We are equipped with the newest, state-of-the-art visual field test equipment. Call for an appointment today 727-789-8770.