Home Page

HOME PAGE WHY USE HCF EYECARE? ORDER CONTACT LENSES EYE CONDITIONS OUR GUARANTEES FUN STUFF OUR LOCATIONS FEEDBACK SURVEY CONTACT US CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WHAT'S NEW?
CONTACT LENS SEARCH

SITE SEARCH
Enter your Search text
Visual field testing
What is a visual field test? It finds out how well your peripheral vision works by measuring the sensitivity of your visual system in various positions. Why is peripheral vision important? Central vision allows you to see fine details of objects you are looking at directly.Peripheral vision is used:
  • To find objects
  • To detect threats
  • For general orientation and balance
  • In sport, to be able to see the ball out of the corner of your eye
  • For reading
What causes visual field defects?
  • Something that damages or interferes with any part of your visual system
  • Injuries or diseases of the retina
  • Diseases that damage the optic nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain, such as glaucoma
  • In sport, to be able to see the ball out of the corner of your eye
  • Brain injuries and strokes

Visual field testing is a very useful way of detecting many diseases.
How does a visual field test work?
  • It uses a computerised instrument called an automated perimeter. This consists of a concave bowl that allows lights to be flashed at various points inside
  • You sit facing into the bowl with your head resting on a support to restrict movement. The computer varies the brightness of the test lights and records responses when you press a button each time you see a light, measuring your sensitivity
Tips for visual field tests
  • Keep looking at the light in the centre of the bowl, as this will keep your eye still
  • Sometimes the lights will be easy to see; sometimes they will be difficult. A person with completely normal visual fields will only see about two-thirds of the lights
What costs are involved? This test can be bulk billed to Medicare for those who are eligible but is not covered by HCF. Contact us today on (02) 9290 0199 if you are concerned about your peripheral vision.