Visual Field Testing
Visual field testing is a simple, noninvasive exam used to evaluate your peripheral—or side—vision. It can help your eye doctor identify areas of reduced or missing vision that may not be noticeable during everyday activities.
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, visual field testing is performed as part of the diagnosis and ongoing management of several eye and neurological conditions.
What Is a Visual Field Test?
A visual field test measures how much you can see around you while looking straight ahead. During the test, dim lights appear in different areas of your peripheral vision. Each time you see a light, you press a button.
Your responses create a detailed map of your visual field. This allows your eye doctor to determine whether any areas of your peripheral vision are reduced or missing.
How is it Performed?
Your doctor may recommend testing to detect or monitor conditions that can affect the side vision. It is commonly used for patients with glaucoma, but it may also help evaluate other eye, optic nerve, or neurological conditions.
Certain conditions require periodic testing so your doctor can compare results over time and identify possible changes in your vision.
What to Expect During the Test
During a visual field test:
- You will sit in front of a specialized testing machine.
- One eye will be tested at a time.
- You will focus on a central target.
- Dim lights will flash in different areas of your peripheral vision.
- You will press a button whenever you see a light.
Some lights are intentionally very dim, so it is normal not to see every one. The machine records your responses and creates a visual field map for your eye doctor to review.
How Long Does Visual Field Testing Take?
Visual field testing generally takes approximately 20 minutes. The test is not painful or uncomfortable, although it does require concentration and careful attention.
Do Your Eyes Need to Be Dilated?
Your eyes are typically not dilated for a visual field test. Because the test may require corrective lenses to provide accurate results, please bring your current eyeglasses or know your current eyeglass prescription.
How to Prepare for a Test
There is usually no special preparation required. Before your appointment:
- Bring your current eyeglasses.
- Have your latest eyeglass prescription available, if possible.
- Take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Tell the technician if you need a break during testing.
Try to remain relaxed and continue looking at the central target throughout the exam.
Understanding Your Results
Your eye doctor will review the visual field map and look for patterns of reduced or missing peripheral vision. If you have had previous tests, the results may be compared to determine whether your visual field has remained stable or changed over time.
One test does not always provide a complete answer. If the results are inconsistent, your doctor may recommend repeating the test.
Schedule Visual Field Testing in Las Vegas
If your eye doctor has recommended visual field testing, Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons provides convenient, noninvasive testing to help evaluate and monitor your peripheral vision.
Call (702) 358-0472 to schedule an appointment.