Visual field testing

Static perimetry central 30°

Visual field test

Maryland medical journal (1917) (14597039580)

Visual field testing, also known as perimetry, is a crucial diagnostic procedure in ophthalmology and optometry that assesses an individual's entire scope of vision, including peripheral (side) vision. This test can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision caused by various medical conditions, such as glaucoma, stroke, pituitary disease, and more.

Purpose

The primary purpose of visual field testing is to produce a map of the visual fields of an individual. It helps in identifying any signs of glaucomatous damage, neurological deficits, and other conditions that might affect the optic pathway from the eye to the brain. Early detection through these tests can prevent or mitigate vision loss.

Methods

There are several methods of visual field testing, ranging from manual techniques to automated processes. The most common methods include:

• Confrontation visual field testing: A simple and quick test performed by eye care professionals that can detect significant field loss.
• Automated perimetry: This method uses a computerized machine, where lights of varying intensities appear in different parts of the peripheral vision, and the patient indicates whether they can see the lights.
• Goldmann kinetic perimetry: This involves moving a light spot inwards from the periphery of the vision to map out the visual field.

Significance

Visual field testing is an indispensable tool in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect peripheral vision. It is crucial for:

• Diagnosing and monitoring the progression of glaucoma.
• Detecting neurological disorders that affect the visual pathway, such as pituitary gland tumors.
• Assessing the impact of retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.
• Evaluating vision loss due to optic neuritis, stroke, or other brain injuries.

Interpretation

Interpretation of the results requires expertise, as it involves understanding the patterns of vision loss that correlate with specific diseases. For instance, a homonymous hemianopia could suggest a neurological cause, such as a stroke, while tunnel vision might indicate advanced glaucoma.

Conditions Diagnosed

Visual field tests are crucial in diagnosing and managing several conditions, including but not limited to:

• Glaucoma: Detecting early signs of damage to the optic nerve.
• Brain tumors: Identifying changes in vision that may suggest a tumor affecting the visual pathway.
• Stroke: Detecting vision loss on one side of the visual field.
• Retinal detachment: Identifying areas of vision loss due to a detached retina.

Conclusion

Visual field testing is a vital component of eye examinations, playing a critical role in detecting and managing various ocular and neurological conditions. Through early detection and diagnosis, appropriate treatments can be administered to prevent or reduce the progression of vision loss.