Visual Fields

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Visual Fields testing is more than "having your eyes checked"

Neuro-ophthalmology is the specialty that is concerned with visual symptoms resulting from brain diseases.
The visual symptoms can be divided into visual loss, or problems with eye movements. Visual loss may
result from problems within the optic nerve or its connections to the visual portions of the brain. The eye is
like a camera, and images are focused on the retina. The optic nerve is the cable that takes these images to the
brain. There are several parts of the brain that are involved with precise control of eye movements. Difficulty within
these regions often produces misalignment of the eyes with resultant double vision. Any of several processes may affect the optic nerve or its connections, including strokes, inflammation, multiple sclerosis or tumors.

Neuro-ophthalmologists
have completed medical school, and either a neurology or ophthalmology residency, followed by a neuro-ophthalmology fellowship.

ABOUT VISUAL FIELDS

Visual field testing measures peripheral vision, where a standard eye chart tests the central or reading vision.

The purpose of visual field testing, or perimetry, is to provide information critical to:

• diagnosing ocular diseases, especially glaucoma

• diagnosing neurological diseases

• monitoring the progress of ocular and neurological diseases.

What visual field tests measure

Visual field tests can yield information that is general in nature, as with screening tests, or more exacting and quantitative, as with threshold tests.

In deciding which test type is most appropriate for a patient the neuro-ophthalmologist is influenced by many factors, including the patient's presenting complaint, age, and degree of cooperation.

PREPARING FOR THE NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY EVALUATION

Request that your treating physicians send all relevant information to the neuro-ophthalmologist prior to your appointment, including office notes, results of laboratory tests and reports of CT and MRI scans. Bring a complete list of medications with you, including the name and dosage of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

If you have had a CT or MRI scan performed, arrange to pick up the actual films and bring them with you, or have the facility mail them to the neuro-ophthalmologist in advance or your appointment.

You will probably have your pupils dilated during the visit. The eye drops last about 4 hours and will make things look bright and blurry up close. Have someone else drive you to the appointment and bring your sunglasses.

Ladies, in order for the physician to get a good look at your eyelids, and to avoid ruining your appearance when eye drops are administered, do not wear eye makeup.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EVALUATION?

The neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation may take up to a few hours to complete. You will be asked to give an
account of your current problem and relate your entire medical history, including previous hospitalizations,
operations, serious illnesses, medical problems in your family members, and medication allergies.

You will have a complete eye examination, as well as other, more specialized tests targeted to your specific problem. These usually include testing of your peripheral vision (visual field test).

You may have a partial or complete neurologic exam to test your strength, sensation, and coordination.

The neuro-ophthalmologist will review the records and scans from previous evaluations, if applicable, before rendering a medical opinion.