What is a Visual Field Test and why is is useful?
Visual field testing is a process to determine defects in the field of vision and tests the function of the retina, optic nerve and optic pathways. Visual field testing can assist us in early detection of glaucoma, retinal or neurological diseases (such as brain tumors and optic nerve disease) and enables us to better diagnose causes of headaches, migraines or vertigo. The stabilization or progression of glaucoma can be monitored only by a visual field examination. The frequency of a visual field examination for a glaucoma patient is dependant on the variability of the intraocular pressure (glaucoma test) measurements, the appearance of hemorrhages on the optic nerve head and the progressive “cupping” of the optic nerve. A patient is considered a glaucoma suspect as evidenced by an increase in intraocular pressure, asymmetric measurements of greater than 2-3 mmHg between eyes or has an optic nerve head suspicious of glaucoma. Visual field testing is appropriate for diagnosing intracran
