Visual Field Analysis

​Visual field testing (also known as perimetry) is used to evaluate central and peripheral fields of vision.

Visual field testing is particularly important in screening, diagnosing and monitoring retinal conditions such retinal detachments; optic nerve conditions such as glaucoma and optic neuritis; and brain disorders such as strokes and tumours.

There a number of different testing strategies available for visual field assessment. At Martin Reynolds Opticians we broadly separate these into Standard (supratheshold) testing and Advanced (threshold) testing.
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Standard (suprathreshold) Testing

In supra threshold visual field testing the brightness of the white light presented is influenced by age and is of an intensity which should be visible. This test is used to screen for scotomas (holes in the visual field) caused by conditions such as glaucoma and strokes. Visual field analysis is conducted on most patients as part of the routine eye examination. It is a quick, straightforward and painless procedure and normally takes a few minutes per eye. It does not affect vision meaning driving afterwards is safe. It is less sensitive to minor defects and does not allow accurate monitoring over time.

Advanced (threshold) Testing

In threshold visual field testing the brightness of the white light presented varies throughout the duration of the test, meaning some lights are more difficult to see than others. This process allows us to produce a detailed sensitivity map of the visual field which can be used to accurately monitor changes or abnormalities in the visual field. Using the unique ZATA algorithm we can obtain accurate and fast quantitative data.