Visual Field Testing
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. Because the optic nerve carries the visual signals from the eye to the brain, damage to the nerve will lead to changes to the vision. In the early stages of glaucoma these visual changes are not noticeable. However, specialized testing, known as a visual field, can test the peripheral vision to identify areas of glaucoma damage. Visual field testing is useful to diagnose glaucoma and also to help determine whether there is worsening glaucoma nerve damage occurring over time. A visual field test is done any time suspicion for glaucoma is noted at an examination. Follow up tests are done at least yearly but in cases of more advanced or uncontrolled glaucoma may need to be done every six months.
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