What is the test with all the flashing dots for?
This is called a field test and is used to test your peripheral vision. Peripheral vision means what you see off to the edges rather than straight ahead. It is this peripheral vision that is damaged by glaucoma. It is therefore one of the tests used to determine if someone is developing glaucoma. You would not necessarily notice a loss of peripheral vision as it often happens slowly, and humans are very adaptable creatures. Glaucoma is not the only cause of peripheral vision loss. Other causes include Stroke, eye injury, haemorrhages and tumours. If we do a field test it does not necessarily mean that we think you have any of these conditions. It is done routinely as part of a normal eye examination, although you may not have it done every time. Migraine can also cause temporary loss of peripheral vision.
