Overview

A visual field test (assessment) checks how well you can see across your whole area of vision. This includes your central vision and your peripheral (side) vision. 

The results help your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) understand how well your eyes are working. 

Visual field tests are used to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect:

• the retina, which is the light‑sensitive layer at the back of the eye
• the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain
• the visual pathway through the brain.

They're regularly used in glaucoma and neurology clinics. 

During the test

Visual field tests can be done in different ways. Your doctor or clinician chooses the most suitable test for your condition.

For both types of test, the examiner decides whether you should wear your own glasses or use a special lens for the test.

Please bring all of your glasses with you to your appointment, including any reading glasses. 

Humphrey visual field test

The most common visual field test is the Humphrey visual field test. This is often used for glaucoma. The test uses a computer called a Humphrey visual field analyser.

During the test, the computer projects a series of lights that will flash on and off, one at a time. The test tries to find the dimmest light you can possibly see. 

You sit comfortably with your chin and forehead resting on supports. You need to keep looking straight ahead at a central orange dot throughout the test, as this helps produce accurate results.

Lights flash on and off at different times and in different places. Each time you see a light, you press the button as quickly as you can. Some lights are bright and some are very dim. It is normal not to see a light every time, so there may be periods when you do not see anything.

If the lights are not clear, or you feel unsure about what to do, let the technician know. Try to ignore any background noises and respond only when you see a light.

You should blink as you usually would. Many people find it easiest to blink just after pressing the button.

You can ask for help at any time during the test.

Goldmann visual field test

Sometimes a Goldmann visual field test is used. This test is not computer‑controlled. Instead of flashing lights, moving targets of different sizes are shown and you respond when you see them.

How long the test takes

The Humphrey visual field test usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes for each eye. The Goldmann visual field test can take up to 30 minutes for each eye.

It's important that you're sitting comfortably and that you're able to concentrate on the instructions, as this improves the accuracy and reliability of the results.

If you feel uncomfortable, tired or are finding the test difficult, please tell the examiner.

Repeating the test

You might need to have the test again, but this depends on the results. If the test shows an eye condition that needs to be monitored, you might be asked to have a visual field test at your next eye appointment.  

Repeating the test can improve the reliability of the results and helps your ophthalmologist monitor any changes to your vision over time.