A visual acuity test is an eye test that checks how well you see the details of a letter or symbol from a specific distance.
An eye exam includes a series of tests that are done to assess vision and the ability to focus and discern objects. It also includes other tests and exams related to the eyes. Eye exams are performed primarily by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, orthoptist, or optician.
As you focus on the words in this article, how much can you see out of the corner of your eye? Can you tell what is happening in your environment?
Your visual field is the width of an area that your eye can see when focused on a central point. Visual field tests are a way that your ophthalmologist measures how much vision you have in each eye and how much vision loss may have occurred over time.
The test by an ophthalmologist is used to detect areas of vision loss (blind spots) caused by a brain tumor, stroke, glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, or head trauma. It can also be used to monitor the progression of previously known visual field loss.
A visual field test is performed at the initial visit or as soon as glaucoma is suspected. It evaluates vision loss due to glaucoma, damage to the visual pathways of the brain, and other optic nerve diseases. When glaucoma is diagnosed the visual field data is used to determine the severity of disease.
As you focus on the words in this article, how much can you see out of the corners of your eyes? Can you tell what's happening in your surroundings?
Your visual field is how wide of an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point. Visual field testing is one way your ophthalmologist measures how much vision you have in either eye, and how much vision loss may have occurred over time.
Visual field tests are an important part of regular eye care for people who are at risk of vision loss due to illness and other problems.
People with the following conditions should be monitored regularly by their ophthalmologist, who will determine how often visual field tests are needed: