Visual field testing is a method of measuring an individual’s entire scope of vision which is their central and peripheral side vision. Visual field testing maps the visual fields of each eye individually. Visual field testing is most frequently used to detect any signs of glaucoma damage to the optic nerve.
Visual field tests are crucial for detection of central or peripheral retinal disease, eyelid conditions such as ptosis or drooping, optic nerve disease, and diseases affecting the visual pathways within the brain. The visual pathways carry information from the eye to the visual or occipital cortex in the brain, where this information is processed into vision.
A visual field test is performed at the initial visit or as soon as glaucoma is suspected. It evaluates vision loss due to glaucoma, damage to the visual pathways of the brain, and other optic nerve diseases. When glaucoma is diagnosed the visual field data is used to determine the severity of disease. This staging information is useful in choosing a target intraocular pressure and determining follow-up.