Diagnostic

Visual Fields Test

A visual fields test, also known as a perimetry test, is a type of eye exam to measure all areas of eyesight including peripheral vision. The purpose of this test is to determine the specific areas where vision loss is occurring. When visual field tests are done regularly, it allows ophthalmologists to measure ongoing changes in the visual field, which is important for managing the long-term progress of treatments or ofdamage from an eye condition.

Visual fields tests are commonly used to detect signs of glaucoma damage to the optic nerve, retinal conditions, and neurological problems.

During a visual fields test, a perimeter is used, which is an instrument with a bowl-shaped dock that the patient looks into. While looking into the perimeter, a series of lights will flash in the periphery fields. Each time one of these lights flashes, the patient responds by pressing a button indicating that they saw the flash. The visual fields test maps the visual field of each eye individually in order to identify how well objects can be seen in the peripheral field.

Visual fields tests are completely painless and only take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Information collected during the examination is recorded by Calgary Retina Consultants and saved in the patient’srecords for future use. All patient records are strictly confidential.