Avon Vision Associates 860-677-6444
New Hartford Eye Associates 860-379-7183
Visual Field Testing
Your eye exam may include visual field testing, also known as perimetry.
Your visual field is all the areas you can see when focused on a central point. It includes central vision, or what you can see in front of you, and peripheral vision. Visual field testing enables your eye doctor to measure the range of central and peripheral vision and detect any blind spots and vision loss which may have occurred.
Visual field testing determines if you have blind spots (scotoma) in the field of vision, and if so, where the blind spots are. The size and shape of the blind spot can show how a brain disorder or eye disease is affecting vision. If you have glaucoma, visual field testing shows any peripheral vision loss because of the disease.
Types of visual field tests
Heru VR/AR Exam
Our eye doctors can conduct visual field testing utilizing the wearable Heru VR/AR exam device.
You’ll be able to sit upright throughout the testing process while wearing the headset, and a built-in digital guide will lead you through the experience. This is an example of what to expect when wearing the Heru VR exam device.
Confrontation visual field test
During this type of visual field test, your eye doctor will ask you to cover one eye while looking at a fixed object directly in front of you. They will then hold an object in your peripheral vision field and ask you to identify the object. This test is commonly used to determine if there are any issues in your visual field and if more advanced testing is needed.
Frequency doubling perimetry
This test utilizes an optical illusion to detect loss of vision. Black and white vertical lines are shown on a perimeter screen, and the lines will flicker at different times and rates. If you can’t see the lines clearly during the testing, there may be vision loss in parts of the visual field.
Automated perimetry test
This type of visual field testing creates a map of your visual field, which is used to determine a specific diagnosis of an eye condition or monitor an eye disease. You will be seated in front of a perimeter, which is a bowl-shaped device, and each eye will be separately tested. The device will have your optical prescription so that you can see your best while being tested.
During the test, you will be instructed to keep your eye on a center target. Lights will flash in different areas of the bowl, and some will be brighter than others. When you see the flashing lights, you’ll be instructed to press a button. The number of lights for which you did not press a button or identify will be added up at the end of the test and compiled in a printable report.
The test includes flashing lights you should not be able to see, so don’t worry if you notice there aren’t any flashing lights at times during the test. The reason for this is the test is designed to measure your visual threshold.
Amsler Grid
This test uses a pattern of straight lines which form a grid with equal squares. You will be asked to look at a dot in the middle of the grid and describe any lines or areas that appear wavy, blank, or blurry. This test is commonly used for people who have age-related macular degeneration and is something they can do at home. While it only measures the middle of the visual field, it can still be helpful to monitor changes in vision.
