VISUAL FIELD TEST

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A visual field (VF) test is a special test that assesses how wide an area you can see and how sensitive your vision is within this area.

 

It is typically used for patients with glaucoma or neurological conditions.

 

If your eyesight is variable, or you are having treatment, then serial testing over a period of time may be able to determine if your condition is stable or progressing.

 

The visual field test generally takes 10-15 minutes to complete testing of both eyes.

 

If you wear glasses it is important that you bring them with you as this could affect the final result.   You should bring both reading and distance glasses if you have them. Basic lenses are also available in the test room to improve your responses if appropriate.

 

Standard visual field test

 

The standard visual field test is performed with one eye at a time, with the fellow eye covered using an eye patch.  The room will be darkened to avoid light causing interference to the test.  You will be given a buzzer in one hand to respond to the test.

 

You will be asked to look straight ahead, focusing on a small spot of light in the center of the visual field testing machine bowel.  The spot of light appears randomly from many different angles and is altered in size and brilliance to obtain a detailed map of your

vision. You must press the buzzer as soon as you see a spot of light.   

 

This will then be repeated with your other eye.

 

The test is not designed to assess whether or not your vision is good enough to drive. You must consult your doctor or optician about this, which involves a different test that allow both eyes open.

 

The person performing your test will not be able to give you your results immediately after the test. Your eye specialist will review the result when he sees you next.