Visual Field Eye Test

[jourdain2]

Does anyone know what this entails. I had a letter today from local hospital with an appointment for one in August. It says: "It measures your central & side vision by using flashes of light within a dome". Does that mean I am in a dome with lights flashing or what? And what exactly do they suspect is going on? I've never been able to do the optician's 'field tests' since they started them donkey's years ago. The same hosp. did a standard 'field test last week' and said I'd done OK. (I bet they always do).

Background - optician referred me last March with suspected glaucoma. 2 appts. later (latest this week) they still don't know because I have thick corneas and so give odd results. I have to keep on putting painful drops into just one eye - to see if pressure reduces - until Sept. (been doing it since last Sept., but pressure went down in both eyes - so they are baffled).

Starting to get worried, any ideas?

[Mamyalynne]

The hospital one is a step up from the usual optician test.

Chin on a rest and you stare at the central light, the test starts then you click each time you see any glint of light.

Each eye done separately.

I have Glaucoma and have the test regularly.

[jno]

no, you'll just sit at a desk peering at a screen; flashes of light will appear here and there an you'll press a button when ever you see one. From the ones you miss they'll be able to see how far to the side your vision extends. Utterly painless.

Or is this what you've already had?

[jourdain2]

Yes, jno, that's what I had done on Wednesday - that's why I'm puzzled.

[Mamyalynne]

They now do the shortened version for me as my outer field is so badly affected following late diagnosis it isn't worth testing, if yours is caught early grab the treatment if offered with both hands.

[Buenchico]

All explained here:

[KARL]

The test involves you placing your face at roughly the centre of a spherical space whereby you have a "screen" around your normal field of view - the hemisphere is real in front of you and onto it are projected light spots at random. If you see them you press a switch to indicate you see them, as they hit the "screen" (the hemisphere in front of you). Those you don't see you can't match with a click - there are deliberate non-spots so you don't simply click in the same rhythm as the firing. The outcome will be an image of where your field of vision is intact and where not - we see to the sides even when looking forward, unless the vision is damaged/incomplete. Glaucoma, if untreated for long enough, causes loss of sight and the visual field test maps any damage/loss.

[EDDIE51]

Glaucoma is a LOT better with early treatment , so please go and get the full test ! Eye drops should NOT be painful ! You need to tell your optician / Doctor and see if there is an alternative !!

[jourdain2]

Thanks, mamya and Buenchico, but these seem like the test I did on Wednesday. It's this 'dome' that makes me wonder. Don't worry, if there is something wrong I'll grab with both hands as you suggest! I have to think that maybe it could be a neurological condition (as suggested in Buen's clip. I think it's probably best to bother my doctor - I have to see him soon about my eyes anyway. Thanks a lot, all.

[Mamyalynne]

The machines at the Hospital are usually more precise, hope you have reported the pain on drop insertion.

[jourdain2]

Well since I answered I've had 2 more helpful answers. Karl, that sounds more like what is being suggested. EDDIE, thanks, I've had a really painful eye, red all the way round and to about an inch below, in the one in which I put the drops. I'll tell my doctor when I see him next week - I was just putting-up with it. Thank you both.

[KARL]

Earlier I started typing when there was no answer (was interrupted). I am struck by the timeline of your appointments, treatment, etc. - are they hoping you go blind or simply drop dead before they arrive at a diagnosis, would save them the effort I suppose ? Jeez, what a system.

[jourdain2]

I hadn't, mamya, but I will now. :)

[jourdain2]

Karl - that's what I'm worried about. The NHS was a big negative when deciding to come home from France - but family prevailed. I did have one appt. postponed - for Jan. this year from Sept.'19, putting it off until the one I've just had. Not happy.

[Zacs-Master]

Can’t be that vital if it’s not until August . I’m sure Boots do a version of this test if you want a quicker opinion.

[zylaphone]

I have glaucoma too Jordan, my eyes reacted to the drops so have given me preservative free drops, much better. As they are much dearer you have to stick to your guns to get them. Good luck!

[jourdain2]

Thank you zylaphone. Mine are better since I've been moisturising beneath the eye to form a barrier - but then, of course, it is slippery and harder to do. Still stings though -so if doctors ever speak to me again until this is over, I'll ask. Thanks very much.