Visual Field Testing: How Your Eye Doctor Checks Your Side Vision
A visual field test measures how much you can see around you while looking straight ahead. It maps your peripheral, or side, vision, which is where several serious eye conditions show up first. At Uptown Eye Boutique in Johns Creek, Dr. Brian Schultz uses visual field testing to catch vision loss you may not have noticed yet.
Why side vision matters
Most people only notice problems with their central vision: blurry reading, trouble seeing street signs. Loss of side vision is much harder to notice, because the brain fills in the gaps and your other eye compensates. Glaucoma is the classic example. It typically damages peripheral vision first, slowly and painlessly, and many people don't realize anything is wrong until the loss is significant.
What a visual field test can reveal
Glaucoma: patterns of peripheral vision loss are a key sign of glaucoma damage
Optic nerve problems: inflammation or other optic nerve conditions can affect the visual field
Retinal conditions: some retinal diseases cause blind spots in specific areas
Neurological issues: certain patterns of field loss can point to problems along the visual pathway in the brain, such as after a stroke, and may lead to a referral
Medication monitoring: some medications require regular visual field checks
What to expect during the test
The test is done one eye at a time. You look at a central target inside a bowl-shaped screen while small lights appear in different spots around your field of vision. Each time you see a light, you press a button. There is no pain and nothing touches your eye. Each eye usually takes a few minutes.
A few tips for good results: keep your eye on the center target, don't worry if you miss some lights (everyone does), and blink normally. If you wear glasses for reading, let the technician know, since the right lens correction matters.
Reading the results
The test produces a map of your visual field that shows where your vision is normal and where it is reduced. Dr. Schultz compares the result with a reference range for your age and with any earlier tests. Because results can vary slightly from day to day, a single unusual result is sometimes repeated before drawing conclusions.
Part of a complete glaucoma evaluation
Visual field testing shows how glaucoma is affecting your vision, while an OCT scan shows what's happening to the optic nerve structure and an eye pressure test checks one of the main risk factors. Used together, they give a much clearer answer than any one test. Learn more about our glaucoma testing in Johns Creek or our comprehensive eye exams.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need a visual field test?
It depends on your risk. People being monitored for glaucoma often have the test once or twice a year. Dr. Schultz will set a schedule that fits your situation.
Can I drive after a visual field test?
Yes, unless you were also dilated during your visit and feel your vision is too blurry or light-sensitive to drive comfortably.
What if I miss a lot of lights?
Missing some lights is normal. The test is designed to find the faintest light you can see in each area, so everyone misses some.
Uptown Eye Boutique is open Monday through Saturday in Johns Creek, GA. Comprehensive eye exams are provided by Dr. Brian Schultz, OD.
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