Health Encyclopedia

Visual field

Definition

The 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 Names

Perimetry; Tangent screen exam; Automated perimetry exam; Goldmann visual field exam; Humphrey visual field exam

How the test is performed

Confrontation 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 test

No special preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort with this test.

Why the test is performed

This eye exam will reveal if you have a loss of peripheral vision and help your doctor diagnose the cause.

Normal Values

The peripheral vision is normal.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may be due to diseases or central nervous system disorders such as tumors that damage or compress the parts of the brain that deal with vision.

Other diseases that may affect the visual field of the eye include:

Diabetes
Glaucoma
High blood pressure
Multiple sclerosis
Optic glioma
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Pituitary gland disorders
Stroke
Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism
Stroke secondary to carotid dissection
Stroke secondary to cocaine

What the risks are

The test has no risks.

Special considerations

The type of visual field testing to be done will be discussed with you by your doctor.

Review Date:1/21/2009
Reviewed By:Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.