Visual Field Testing, also known as perimetry, is an essential procedure used by our retina specialists to safeguard your vision. Our listed experts focus on early detection of any vision changes that may affect your retinal health.
This page offers a detailed overview of visual field testing (perimetry), an important exam that charts your full range of vision. Discover how the test works, the different methods used, and how our retina specialists rely on these results to help protect your retinal health.
Your vision covers a wide area, and visual field testing (perimetry) allows our retina specialists to map it accurately. This test is essential for spotting any areas of vision loss, including those you might not notice yourself. By measuring and monitoring your visual field, perimetry helps us catch problems early and is an essential tool for both retina and glaucoma specialists.
Visual field testing is a non-invasive exam that measures how much you can see in every direction without moving your eyes or head. It checks both your central and peripheral (side) vision, producing a detailed map that reveals any blind spots or gaps. Imagine your visual field as an island of clear vision, this test helps identify any areas that may be less sensitive or have become dim, so we can locate and measure changes early.
During a visual field test, you’ll sit comfortably in front of a bowl-shaped machine. While you keep your eyes on a central target, the machine flashes small, dim lights in different spots. Each time you see a light, you press a button. This simple process checks how sensitive each part of your visual field is and helps identify any areas where your vision may be reduced, known as scotomas or blind spots.
Mapping your visual field is crucial because it lets our retina specialists spot early signs of vision loss from conditions that might not show obvious symptoms. By uncovering hidden blind spots, this test helps us catch problems from retinal diseases, glaucoma, and other eye conditions before they get worse.
It’s important to know that many people don’t notice vision changes on their own, the brain is very good at filling in gaps. Visual field testing provides an objective and sensitive way to detect even the smallest changes, which can be the first sign of an eye issue. This allows us to take action early and protect your vision.
Think of your visual field like an island: the highest central peak is your sharpest, most detailed central vision. As you move outward, the slopes represent your peripheral (side) vision, which is naturally less sensitive and may only pick up larger or brighter objects. Beyond the edges of the island is a “sea of blindness,” where you can’t see at all. This analogy, described by an early ophthalmologist, shows how every part of your visual field matters. Even small blind spots on this “island” can signal a problem that deserves attention.
Visual field testing is recommended for a variety of patients, particularly those at higher risk for certain eye conditions or those experiencing specific symptoms. Our retina specialist will determine if this test is appropriate for you based on your medical history, family history, and the findings from your comprehensive eye exam.
If you have risk factors for glaucoma, such as a family history of the disease, elevated eye pressure, African American descent, or are over the age of 60, our glaucoma specialist will likely recommend regular visual field tests. These tests are essential for detecting the subtle vision changes that can occur with early glaucoma and for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.
Patients with known neurological conditions that can affect vision, such as strokes, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, or pituitary gland disorders, will often undergo visual field testing. This helps our retina specialist monitor the impact of these conditions on your vision and assess the effectiveness of any treatments you are receiving for these conditions. It can also help pinpoint the exact location of a neurological problem.
Some medications, particularly hydroxychloroquine, now most often prescribed for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and certain older antipsychotics, can have side effects that affect the retina and visual field. If you are taking such medications, our retina specialist may recommend periodic visual field testing to monitor for any potential toxic effects and ensure your vision remains healthy.
If you've noticed unexplained blurriness, blind spots, or a general narrowing of your vision, visual field testing can help our retina specialist identify the cause. Even if other tests appear normal, a visual field test can often reveal subtle issues that might be missed otherwise, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Arrive well-rested so you can stay focused and respond promptly during the test. Being alert helps ensure your results are as accurate as possible.
You’ll need to sit still for several minutes for each eye. If the chin or headrest is uncomfortable, let the technician know, they can adjust it for you.
Bring your current prescription eyeglasses. The testing team will use your prescription to fit the right lens for the test, even though you won’t wear your own glasses during the procedure.
If you have a droopy eyelid or dry eyes, tell the technician before you start. Small adjustments, like taping the eyelid or using lubricating drops, can help make your results more reliable.
If you’re feeling tired or anxious on the day of your test, let the technician know. Sometimes it’s best to reschedule to make sure your results are as accurate as possible.
You’ll sit in front of a large, curved machine with your head supported by a chin and forehead rest. One eye will be covered while the other is tested.
You’ll be asked to look straight at a central target and keep your eyes steady. This helps the test check how well you can see lights in your side (peripheral) vision while you focus forward.
Small flashes of light will appear in different areas inside the bowl. Every time you see a flash, press the response button. This lets the machine know exactly where you’re seeing light.
The test typically takes about 4 to 7 minutes per eye using standard techniques, but newer algorithms may finish in as little as 2 to 3 minutes for select cases. You can ask for short breaks if needed, so you’re comfortable and get the best results.
Don’t worry if you miss some flashes. The test purposely includes faint lights to measure your full range of vision, so missing a few is expected and completely normal.
Perimetry, the test that maps your visual field, is broadly divided into static and kinetic formats. Standard automated perimetry, the current gold standard, uses static lights at fixed positions, whereas kinetic testing with a moving light is usually performed manually (for example, with a Goldmann perimeter) or on specialized devices.
These different techniques allow our retina specialists to customize the test for your specific needs, whether it’s checking your ability to see in certain areas or investigating particular eye conditions.
In addition to standard automated perimetry, several advanced methods offer even more detailed information about your vision:
By using these different methods, our retina specialists can combine the strengths of each approach to ensure every part of your visual field is thoroughly evaluated.
Your visual field report includes a grayscale map that shows how sensitive each part of your vision is. Darker spots usually mean reduced sensitivity or blind spots, while lighter areas show healthier vision.
Every tested point has a decibel value. Higher numbers mean you can detect even the faintest lights, these areas are healthiest. Lower numbers mean you only see brighter lights, which may signal some vision loss in those areas.
These graphs compare your results to what’s normal for your age. The total deviation plot highlights all areas that fall below the average, while the pattern deviation plot filters out general dimming and pinpoints specific problem areas.
The VFI is a percentage score, a quick way to summarize your overall field. 100% means a normal field. Lower percentages show loss or progression over time, helping your doctor monitor your vision.
Ensure your vision remains healthy by scheduling a visual field test with one of the top retina specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Our experienced professionals will provide detailed insights into your retinal health and help identify any potential issues early.
A single test gives a snapshot of your vision, but your doctor reviews several tests to see trends. Looking at changes over time provides a more accurate understanding of your eye health and guides the best treatment decisions.
Visual field testing is not just for glaucoma, it’s an essential part of managing many retinal conditions. By mapping your vision’s sensitivity in detail, our retina specialists can diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment for a range of eye diseases:
Conditions like Retinitis Pigmentosa usually start with loss of peripheral vision (“tunnel vision”). Perimetry tracks how your field changes over time, giving valuable information about disease progression.
AMD affects the center of your retina (macula). While traditional perimetry can detect central or near-central blind spots (scotomas), specialized tests like microperimetry offer even greater detail for certain patients.
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in your eyes, causing areas of poor vision. Visual field testing pinpoints these changes so treatment can be better targeted.
A shadow or curtain from the edge of your vision can signal a retinal detachment. Perimetry can document the extent of field loss, but urgent treatment for a suspected retinal detachment is guided primarily by a dilated retinal examination and imaging such as OCT or ultrasound.
Certain medications, like Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), can harm the retina. Regular visual field testing, especially with focused patterns like the 10-2 test, often combined with OCT scans, can catch early warning signs, allowing for prompt intervention.
Recent advances are making it possible to monitor your visual field outside the clinic. New tools like portable VR devices and web-based platforms are now being developed for at-home visual field testing. This means you could soon check your vision more often and catch subtle changes earlier, allowing for quicker adjustments to your treatment if needed.
At-home visual field testing offers greater convenience and provides our retina specialists with more frequent, real-world data. While there are still some challenges, such as making sure each test is done under the same conditions, research so far shows that patients find these remote options comfortable and dependable. As technology continues to improve, at-home testing will likely help patients play a more active role in their own vision care and enable even more personalized management of chronic eye conditions.
During a comprehensive eye exam, visual field testing is often done alongside imaging techniques like OCT, which looks at the structure of your retina and optic nerve. These tests work together: visual field testing shows how well your eye can detect light (function), while OCT reveals the health and thickness of the retinal tissues (structure).
This combination is like putting together two pieces of a puzzle. In many retinal diseases, structural changes are often detected first by OCT before noticeable differences appear on the visual field, though sometimes functional loss can come first. By looking at both sets of results, our retina specialists get a fuller picture of your eye health, helping them catch and address even subtle problems before they affect your vision.
After your visual field test, the printout may look complicated, but it holds valuable information for protecting your eyesight. The report highlights which areas of your vision are healthy and which may need extra attention. Our ophthalmologist or retina specialist will go over your results with you, explaining any findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.
If the test shows changes in your visual field, there’s no need to panic. It simply means we may need to do further tests or take a closer look at your treatment plan. Remember, a single visual field test is just one moment in time, regular monitoring helps us see trends over time and make the best decisions for your ongoing care.
Perimetry (also called visual field testing) is a painless eye exam that measures your range of vision, including both your central vision (straight ahead) and peripheral (side) vision. It helps detect blind spots or areas of vision loss.
During a visual field test, you'll look into a bowl-shaped device. While focusing on a central spot, you’ll press a button each time you notice small flashes of light appearing around you. This maps how well you can see in all directions without moving your eyes or head.
A normal visual field means you can clearly detect lights or objects in both your central vision and your peripheral vision. Typically, this means no significant blind spots or dim areas, though small blind spots exist naturally, such as the normal “blind spot” corresponding to the optic nerve.
A normal field of view for a healthy eye is roughly:
A good visual field test score (Visual Field Index or VFI) is usually around 95% to 100%, meaning your visual field is healthy and you can see well throughout your range of vision. Scores close to 100% indicate very little or no vision loss.
A good field of view generally means you maintain clear, sensitive vision both directly ahead and in your side vision. Practically, having nearly 180 degrees horizontally (both eyes combined) and about 130 degrees vertically is considered very good and healthy.
The maximum human field of view using both eyes together is about 180 degrees horizontally. Vertically, the combined range is approximately 130 to 135 degrees. Individually, each eye typically has a slightly narrower field of view than both eyes working together.
These simplified answers can be shared directly with patients to clearly and effectively explain the basics of visual field testing.
Ensure your vision remains healthy by scheduling a visual field test with one of the top retina specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Our experienced professionals will provide detailed insights into your retinal health and help identify any potential issues early.
Visual Field Testing (Perimetry) is crucial for monitoring retinal health. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you for a thorough examination.
