Oklahoma Eye Institute uses the Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer for detailed visual field testing. This test gives the doctors at OEI a detailed report of the patient's peripheral vision. This testing is important in the diagnosis of optic nerve damage in conditions such as glaucoma or optic neuropathy. It's also helpful in the diagnosis of brain conditions such as stroke or tumor. The visual field can be repeated over time to watch for any changes or progression of disease. For glaucoma patients, the visual field is usually repeated yearly.
During the testing the patient rests their chin on a chin rest and looks straight ahead. Random lights of varying intensity flash in the patients peripheral vision. When a light flash is perceived by the patient, a hand-held button is pushed to indicate that the patient sees the light. The sophisticated testing at OEI has built in algorithms that allow for faster testing. The computer also takes into account other variables, such as the patients eye movement and natural blind spot.