The visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision as you focus your eyes on a central point. This article describes the test that measures your visual field.

A normal visual field is an island of vision measuring 90 degrees temporally to central Fixation, 50 degrees superiorly and nasally, and 60 degrees inferiorly. Visual acuity increases from movement discrimination in the extreme peripheral vision to better than 20/20 in the center of vision.

A normal visual field measures about 90 degrees temporally, 50 degrees superiorly and nasally, and 60 degrees inferiorly. 1 One eye will be tested at a time since visual fields of each eye overlap.

The visual field test is a subjective measure of central and peripheral vision, or “side vision,” and is used by your doctor to diagnose, determine the severity of, and monitor your glaucoma. The most common visual field test uses a light spot that is repeatedly presented in different areas of your peripheral vision.

Visual field defect simulations were exaggerated beyond what was reasonable. Conclusion: This study reports on whether it is possible to cheat with automatic perimetry. The different parameters analyzed by computer programs are not able to detect cheating patients.

During the test, one eye is covered (so that one eye is tested at a time), and you want to always look straight ahead at the steady yellow light. Then, other lights flash one at a time off to the side and you should press the button whenever you see one of these lights.

Just as in neurorehabilitation, visual field defects can be modulated by post-lesion plasticity to improve vision in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or optic neuropathy. Though full restoration of vision is not possible, such treatments improve vision, both subjectively and objectively.

A “normal” visual field test means that the patient can see about as well as anyone else does in the center and around the edges of the visual field. A test that shows visual field loss means that vision in some areas is not as sensitive as normal.

You will be asked to press a button when you see small flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Occasionally, a patient presses the button by accident (causing a false positive) or fails to press the button when a flash of light appeared (causing a false negative).

Clearly if there is significant visual field loss, then it is unsafe to drive but if the loss is borderline by the DVLA standards, then it is important to be aware that you do not simply give up.

The most common causes of damage to the retina or optic nerve of the eye include glaucoma, coloboma, a toxoplasma infection, tumors, and age-related macular degeneration. If any of these conditions damage the center of the retina (the macula), the individual will most likely experience blurred vision.

Please bring all of your glasses to your eye appointments. How long do the tests take? The Humphrey visual field test takes 5 to 10 minutes for each eye. The Goldmann visual field test can take up to 30 minutes for each eye.

Results: Overall, patients performed reliably in 52% of visual field tests. The most common cause of poor reliability was fixation loss, with 43% of patient tests deemed unreliable due to a fixation loss rate greater than 20%.

Among patients with a threat to fixation, visual field testing is usually performed every 4 to 8 months, and consideration should be given to alternating between evaluation of the central 10° and the central 24° to 30°.

How do you know if you need visual field testing?

• Glaucoma.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Thyroid eye disease.
• Pituitary gland disorders.
• Central nervous system problems (such as a tumor that may be pressing on visual parts of the brain)
• Stroke.

These tips may help you control high eye pressure or promote eye health.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain your health, but it won’t prevent glaucoma from worsening.
2. Exercise safely.
3. Limit your caffeine.
4. Sip fluids frequently.
5. Sleep with your head elevated.
6. Take prescribed medicine.