The aim of a visual field test is to determine how far in their periphery a person can see in all directions when focusing on a central target. This is called perimetry, and it is the process of measuring the extent of what you see and cannot see in your visual field.
The doctor will place your prescription into the machine while you are looking into it. Only one eye is tested at a time. A patch is placed over one eye, and then you will look at the central fixation target with the other eye. There is typically going to be a yellow light with different flashes appearing on the side of your vision. The intensity and location of these flashes will vary, but essentially, whenever you see the light, you will click the button, not looking directly at the bright lights that are flashing on the side of your vision. You'll have to keep your eyes fixed on the central yellow target, and you'll have to click the button anytime a flash of light appears. It takes about five minutes to complete this test. Then it will print out a report showing what your visual field looks like.
This test is vital because it allows your eye doctor to diagnose and monitor certain conditions. In visual field testing, specific conditions produce various and very specific patterns. In glaucoma, for example, there may be specific patterns they see on this visual field report that can help determine if you have glaucoma. What is so important about a visual field test is that it not only helps diagnose, but it also helps your eye doctor track the progression of the disease. Furthermore, it shows if the patient has any sort of functional vision loss.
The frequency of testing is highly dependent on your condition or risk category. For example someone with glaucoma who exhibits visual field loss may be told to come in more frequently than a patient with family history and risk factors for glaucoma but no actual peripheral vision loss.
An eye doctor can use this tool to better diagnose and treat patients with many different diseases, one of the most common is glaucoma, however the visual field test is also used for other conditions besides glaucoma.
They may use a more specific type of visual field test if you have any macular issues that are more sensitive to the central portions of the back part of the eye and check if there is any functional loss in the central part of the back part of your eye.
They can also test for various neurological issues and in those types of tests, it measures more peripheral points. Likewise, if you are suffering from any sort of brain disorders such as stroke, concussion, or tumor growth, an examination of your visual field may indicate these conditions and require further testing, such as an MRI or CT scan. Visual field test provides them with very useful information about your overall visual abilities.
The visual field test is extremely valuable in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of ocular disease. By using a visual field our eye doctors are able to detect earlier signs of ocular disease, have an objective measure of disease progression, and identify how your disease is impacting the function of your vision and direct you to proper treatment or tools to improve your visual function. Call us today at (212) 752-6930 to schedule a visual field and medical eye exam.
At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.
Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.
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