What is the purpose of visual field testing?

Visual field testing is specifically designed to evaluate peripheral and central vision, making it a critical tool in ophthalmology. This testing assesses the full horizontal and vertical range of vision, helping detect any blind spots or areas of reduced sensitivity, which can indicate various eye conditions, including glaucoma, retinal diseases, and neurological disorders.

By measuring how well a patient can see in different directions, healthcare providers can identify potential issues early on. For instance, a patient with developing glaucoma may have loss of peripheral vision before experiencing changes in central vision. Detecting these shifts can inform both diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that any underlying conditions are managed promptly.

The other purposes listed in the options, such as measuring eye pressure, assessing overall eye health, and checking for color vision deficiency, serve different aims in eye care. Eye pressure measurement is essential for diagnosing glaucoma, while overall eye health assessments may include various tests and examinations beyond just visual fields. Color vision testing, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the capability to distinguish colors and does not evaluate the range of vision.