How is peripheral vision tested?
Most eye examinations include a perimetry or visual field test to check peripheral vision. The perimetry test is used to detect and monitor damage from glaucoma and other conditions that may affect the visual pathway from the eye to the brain. In medical terms, perimetry is a systematic measurement of visual field function. An instrument called a perimeter is used to plot the central or peripheral field of vision. Loss of peripheral vision can actually be more difficult than the loss of visual acuity. However, many low vision aids are available for people who have lost all or a portion of their peripheral vision. Training and optical devices, such as prisms, mirrors, reverse telescopes, and minus lenses, can improve awareness of the environment and independent travel ability.
