Visual field tests
Visual field tests (perimetry) are used to measure your peripheral vision (how clear your vision is above, below and at the sides of an object you鈥檙e looking at). This is a critical test for diagnosing and monitoring many common eye conditions.
Quick facts
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get your consultation and care plan within 48 hours
What is it for?
To measure your peripheral vision and diagnose and monitor eye conditions
Which conditions are visual field tests used for?
Visual field tests detect defects in the visual field. This is one of the core diagnostic components needed to make the diagnosis of glaucoma, alongside other tests. Visual field tests are also used for monitoring various other conditions.
At AOA体育平台 Eye Centre, we used visual field tests to diagnose and/or monitor:
- Glaucoma 鈥� A group of eye conditions that develop when your eye can鈥檛 drain fluid properly, leading to an increase in pressure within the eye which can damage the optic nerve.
- Stroke 鈥� A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain becomes blocked or reduced, preventing brain cells from receiving oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to cell death.
- Brain tumours 鈥� A brain tumour grows from brain cells, such as those in the pituitary gland. Many types of brain tumours exist, and they can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
- Multiple sclerosis 鈥� A neurological condition in which your immune system produces antibodies that incorrectly attack the myelin surrounding and protecting your nerves.
- Thyroid eye disease 鈥� An autoimmune condition, often associated with an overactive thyroid gland (Graves鈥� disease), which can cause inflammation in the eye muscles and tissues.
* We offer fast appointments Monday - Friday only.
Preparing for Your Visual Field Test
You don鈥檛 need to do any specific preparation for any visual field tests (perimetry), as they are all straightforward and non-invasive. The only measure you may need to take is to ask someone to drive you home after your appointment. This is because, for some tests, your ophthalmologist may use eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupils, and these can make your vision blurry for a while afterwards.
During the Visual Field Test
What happens during the test will depend on the type of test chosen by your ophthalmologist. They may use a confrontation test, where your doctor will hold up an object or a few fingers and ask how much you can see while you look at the target. Alternatively, they may use an automated test, like the Humphrey Field Analyser which maps your visual field. For this test, you鈥檒l sit in front of a bowl-shaped machine and respond by pressing buttons as objects appear. Visual field tests usually take around 10 minutes per eye.
After the Visual Field Test
Your ophthalmologist should be able to give you your results straight after you鈥檝e undergone testing. At this point, you will be told whether you had a 鈥榥ormal鈥� visual field test (which just means that you can see as well as other people without vision issues) or whether you have some vision loss.
In the latter case, your consultant may make a diagnosis, order some more tests to help them make a diagnosis or refer you to a different specialist. However, which action they choose to take will depend on which condition they think is causing your vision loss.
Regardless of your results, you should be able to go straight home once you鈥檝e received them.
Why choose AOA体育平台 Eye Centre?
Unparalleled, outstanding eye care
AOA体育平台 Eye Centre provides the highest standards of eye care. Our team of expert ophthalmologists work in partnership with world leaders and experts from all aspects of medicine, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics with cutting-edge therapies to deliver a best-in-class service to a global audience.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our clinicians, nurses and support teams are dedicated to providing bespoke care, centred around our patients. They鈥檒l be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you鈥檙e in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
Our Eye Centre simplifies your path to eye health. We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on yourself.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
No, there are no risks associated with visual field tests (perimetry). You may have some blurred vision if your doctor has dilated your pupils with eye drops, but this is temporary.
You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this diagnostic. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally.
Alternatively, you can pay for yourself (self-pay). If you are paying for yourself, we have finance options available with .
Find out more about paying for your diagnostics and treatments here.
To book an appointment, call us today on: 0203 553 3670