Formal visual field examinations are generally performed using automated perimetry. These instruments work by measuring the ability of persons to see points of light at varying locations on a curved surface.
Visual field examinations may be indicated in any of the following clinical circumstances
- glaucoma
- glaucoma suspect
- other optic nerve disease
- neuro-ophthalmic disease
- retinal disease
- systemic disease
- vascular conditions affecting the visual fields
- high-risk medications affecting the visual fields
- disorders of the eyelids affecting the visual fields
- significant eye injury
- new functional limitations (can be reported by family members as “running into things”)
- unexplained vision loss (can be described as “trouble seeing” or “vision going in and out”)
