 Visual field
Definition Alternative Names How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations References DefinitionThe visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision while you focus your eyes on a central point. Alternative NamesPerimetry; Tangent screen exam; Automated perimetry exam; Goldmann visual field exam; Humphrey visual field exam How the test is performedConfrontation visual field exam: This is a quick and basic check of the visual field. The health care provider sits directly in front of you. You will cover one eye, and stare straight ahead with the other. You will be asked to tell when you can see the examiner's hand. Tangent screen or Goldmann field exam: You will sit about 3 feet from a screen with a target in the center. You will be asked to stare at the center object and let the examiner know when you can see an object that moves into your side vision. This exam creates a map of your entire peripheral vision. Automated perimetry: You sit in front of a concave dome and stare at an object in the middle. You press a button when you see small flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Your responses help determine if you have a defect in your visual field. How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary. How the test will feelThere is no discomfort with this test. Why the test is performedThis eye exam will show whether you have a loss of vision anywhere in your visual field. The pattern of vision loss will help your doctor diagnose the cause. Normal ValuesThe peripheral vision is normal. What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to diseases or central nervous system disorders, such as tumors that damage or press on (compress) the parts of the brain that deal with vision. Other diseases that may affect the visual field of the eye include: What the risks areThe test has no risks. Special considerationsYour health care provider will discuss with you the type of visual field testing to be done. ReferencesPiltz-Seymour JR, Heath-Phillip O, Drance SM. Visual fields in glaucoma. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 49. American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee. Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2010. Accessed January 17, 2011. Budenz DL. Visual field testing in glaucoma. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 10.5. Physician ReferenceCurrent Procedural Terminology (CPT)92081 | 92082 | 92083
Review Date: 2/10/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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