What Is a Visual Fields Test?

A visual fields test measures your ability to see in all directions—up, down, left, and right—without moving your eyes. This test is essential for evaluating your peripheral vision and detecting areas where your vision may be impaired.

Why Is a Visual Fields Test Important?

Many eye conditions and neurological disorders can affect your peripheral vision before you notice any symptoms. A visual fields test is critical for detecting these problems early and preventing further vision loss.

Who Should Have a Visual Fields Test?

A visual fields test is recommended for patients who are at risk of developing vision problems or who are experiencing symptoms such as

What to Expect During a Visual Fields Test

A visual fields test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Here’s what to expect during the test:

  1. Preparation: You will sit in front of a device called a perimeter and rest your chin on a support to keep your head still. One eye will be covered while the other eye is tested.
  2. The Test: You’ll be asked to look straight ahead and press a button whenever you see a light or other visual stimulus appear in your peripheral vision. The test is designed to map your full visual field.
  3. Duration: The test takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes, depending on the type of test and the extent of the field being measured.
  4. Review of Results: Once the test is complete, your optometrist will review the results with you, explaining any findings and discussing whether further tests or treatments are needed.

The test is comfortable and easy, and it provides valuable insights into your eye health.

Types of Visual Fields Tests

There are several types of visual fields tests used to assess your peripheral vision:

  • Static Visual Fields Test: In this test, small lights are flashed in various areas of your visual field, and you’re asked to press a button when you see them. This test measures the sensitivity of different parts of your visual field.
  • Kinetic Visual Fields Test: In this test, lights of varying intensity are moved across your field of vision, and you indicate when you first see the light. This test helps map the boundaries of your peripheral vision.
  • Confrontation Visual Fields Test: A simpler test where the optometrist asks you to cover one eye and describe when you see their hand or an object moving in your peripheral vision.

The specific type of test we use will depend on your symptoms, risk factors, and any existing conditions.

Conditions Detected by a Visual Fields Test:

A visual fields test can detect a range of conditions that affect peripheral vision, including:

  • Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve can cause gradual loss of peripheral vision, which may not be noticeable until the disease has progressed significantly.
  • Retinal Diseases: Conditions like retinal detachment or retinitis pigmentosa can affect your peripheral vision and cause blind spots.
  • Stroke: A stroke can damage parts of the brain responsible for processing vision, leading to partial or full loss of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Brain Tumors or Injuries: Tumors or other injuries to the brain can interfere with visual processing, affecting peripheral vision.

By detecting these conditions early, we can provide appropriate treatments to protect your vision.

Book Your Visual Fields Test Today

At Victoria Village Optometry, we’re committed to protecting your vision through comprehensive eye exams and advanced diagnostic tools. A visual fields test is an important part of assessing your eye health and detecting conditions early. Schedule your visual fields test today to safeguard your vision and ensure early detection of any problems.

Address

1315 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 513, Toronto, ON, M3A 3R3, Canada

Contact

416-759-6060

info@myvvo.ca