Brampton's Vision Care Experts
visual field test
Your visual field encompasses the entire area your eye can see while fixated on a central point. Through visual field testing, your optometrist gauges the extent of vision in each eye, aiding in the detection of any potential vision loss you may be experiencing. Some professions such as policing, firefighting and commercial driving may require visual field testing as part of their application process. We proudly offer both clinical and occupational visual field testing to support the vision needs of the Brampton community.
Why Is Visual Field Testing Important?
Peripheral vision plays a critical role in daily activities such as driving, navigating spaces and detecting movement. Changes in the visual field can be an early sign of conditions affecting the optic nerve, retina or visual pathways in the brain.
Regular visual field testing allows your optometrist to:
- Identify subtle vision changes early
- Monitor progression of known eye conditions
- Assess how well treatment is working over time
Because some forms of vision loss are permanent once they occur, early detection is essential.
Early detection of nerve damage is essential, as any injury to the optic nerve is usually permanent.
How does it work?
Visual field testing is non-invasive, comfortable and does not involve eye drops in most cases.
During the test:
- You will look straight ahead into a dome-shaped instrument
- Small lights will appear in different areas of your vision
- You press a button whenever you see a light
- One eye is tested at a time
The results create a detailed map of your visual field, showing areas of normal vision and any areas of reduced sensitivity.
Who needs it?
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ocular condition or disease that elevates the risk of retinal nerve damage or vision loss.
Your optometrist may recommend visual field testing if you:
- Are at risk for glaucoma
- Have elevated eye pressure
- Have optic nerve or retinal findings
- Have diabetes or neurological conditions
- Require baseline or follow-up testing
Testing may be recommended even in the absence of symptoms.
Visual field Testing for Work
We know that certain careers such as police officers, firefighters, pilots, and MTO commercial drivers may need visual field testing to meet application requirements. Your well-being and success in your chosen career are important, and we’re here to support you through these necessary steps.
Click here to learn more.