What is visual field analysis?
Vision can be measured from different aspects. Central vision or what is directly seen in front of us when, for example, reading or looking at someone’s face is often considered the most important aspect of the vision. Central vision is measured by the vision chart. But our peripheral vision is also important. Our peripheral vision helps us while driving or walking from hitting or bumping into objects around us. Visual field analysis is a way of measuring our peripheral vision.
What conditions can affect peripheral vision?
Most commonly visual field analysis is used to measure defects in peripheral vision due to glaucoma. Other conditions that can cause peripheral vision defect include:
- Anything that partially blocks light from entering the eye, for example a droopy eyelid
- Retinal conditions including retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal artery occlusion
- Other optic nerve conditions including optic nerve stroke, tumors compressing the optic nerve in the eye socket or inside the brain, for example pituitary tumors.
- Other neurological conditions such as stroke
How is peripheral vision measured?
Peripheral vision is most commonly measured by Visual Field Analyzers. An exampled is a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer that quantifiably measures peripheral vision. This is a non-invasive tests and takes 10-15 minutes.