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Visual field
Definition
The visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision while you focus your eyes on a central point.
Alternative Names
Perimetry; Tangent screen exam; Automated perimetry exam; Goldmann visual field exam; Humphrey visual field exam
How the test is performed
Confrontation visual field exam: This is a quick and basic check of the visual field. The health care provider sits directly in front of you. You will cover one eye, and stare straight ahead with the other. You will be asked to tell when you can see the examiner's hand.
Tangent screen or Goldmann field exam: You will sit about 3 feet from a screen with a target in the center. You will be asked to stare at the center object and let the examiner know when you can see an object that moves into your side vision. This exam creates a map of your entire peripheral vision.
Automated perimetry: You sit in front of a concave dome and stare at an object in the middle. You press a button when you see small flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Your responses help determine if you have a defect in your visual field.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary.
How the test will feel
There is no discomfort with this test.
Why the test is performed
This eye exam will reveal if you have a loss of peripheral vision and help your doctor diagnose the cause.
Normal Values
The peripheral vision is normal.
What abnormal results mean
Abnormal results may be due to diseases or central nervous system disorders such as tumors that damage or compress the parts of the brain that deal with vision.
Other diseases that may affect the visual field of the eye include:
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Optic glioma
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Stroke
- Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism
- Stroke secondary to carotid dissection
- Stroke secondary to cocaine
What the risks are
The test has no risks.
Special considerations
The type of visual field testing to be done will be discussed with you by your doctor.
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
