What to Expect During a Visual Field Examination
Following a recent visit to Texoma Retina and Glaucoma, one of our specialists may have recommended that you take a visual field examination. This is a very common, painless test that helps us monitor your health.
What is a visual field test?
Your peripheral (side) vision is measured by a visual field test. It helps your doctor determine exactly what your eyes can see out of the corners of your eyes while you are looking straight ahead.
The most common reason for this test is to screen for and monitor glaucoma. As glaucoma gets worse, it usually starts to affect your side vision first. This test lets us look for early blind spots before you even notice them. Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you to help guide your ongoing care.
What to Expect During Your Visual Field Examination?
The test takes place in a quiet, dedicated room with a specialized machine. What will actually happen at your appointment:
- Eye Patching: Only one eye is tested at a time. The technician will place a comfortable patch over the eye not being tested.
- Vision Prep: If you wear glasses, you will generally not wear your own during the test. Instead, the technician will place a special testing lens in front of your eye so you can see clearly.
- Getting Comfortable: You will sit facing the machine and place your chin on a comfortable rest. It is important to stay still, but the machine can be adjusted to your height.
- The Clicking Device: The technician will hand you a small remote control with a button. Every time you see a small flash of light anywhere inside the machine, you will press the button.
- Focusing on the Target: You will see a central target light inside the machine. It is very important to stare straight ahead at this central light the entire time. Do not look around or try to “hunt” for the flashing lights. Keeping your gaze centered ensures the test is accurate.
- Blinking is Okay: You do not need to hold your eyes open or avoid blinking. You can blink completely normally throughout the test; the machine is designed to account for this, and you will not miss any lights.
- Test Timing: The test usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes per eye. Once the first eye is done, the patch will be moved and the process repeated for the other eye.
Patient Reminder: If you feel fatigued, uncomfortable, or need to wipe your eyes, simply let your technician know. The test can be paused at any time if you need a quick break.
Tips for a Successful Test
- Stay Relaxed: There are no wrong answers on a visual field examination. The machine is designed to show some lights that are very bright and others that are purposely too dim to see. Do not worry if you feel you are missing some lights—that is how the test is supposed to work.
- Speak Up: Your comfort and safety are our highest priorities. Please let your technician know if you need to adjust your chair or chin rest at any point.
Where to Get a Visual Field Examination in Sherman Texas?
Texoma Retina and Glaucoma near Sherman Texas, can help people in the Texoma area get specialized eye care and a diagnostic evaluation if their eye doctor has told them to get a visual field examination. Visual field examination is an important part of diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma, especially when your doctor wants to see if your peripheral vision is changing over time.
A glaucoma specialist in Sherman TX can get a better idea of your general eye health by testing your visual field and doing other diagnostic tests. Your eye doctor may also suggest more tests to keep an eye on your optic nerve, retinal health, or changes that come with glaucoma, depending on your specific case.
Serving Patients Near Sherman and the Texoma Region
Patients from Sherman, Texas, and the nearby North Texas towns can get specialized eye care from Texoma Retina and Glaucoma. When looking for a glaucoma specialist in Sherman, TX, patients may find it easier to keep up with regular exams and follow-up tests if they choose an eye care practice in the Texoma area that is conveniently located.
Patients from Southern Oklahoma may also look for an eye specialist in Durant Oklahoma or a glaucoma specialist in Oklahoma while looking for specialty eye treatment near the Texas-Oklahoma border. Sherman is a regional healthcare hub for many areas in Southern Oklahoma; thus, Texoma Retina and Glaucoma may be a convenient choice for people who need expert retinal or glaucoma evaluation.
If you are a patient looking for an eye specialist near Oklahoma, your routine glaucoma follow-up may include visual field examination if your eye doctor feels it is medically necessary. If you are searching for a glaucoma specialist near Durant, Oklahoma, you may also discuss your symptoms, medical history and results of past eye tests with an ophthalmology specialist to determine which evaluations are appropriate.
What can the Texoma Retina near Allen, Texas, do to help?
At Texoma Retina and Glaucoma near Allen, Texas, our specialists know that getting your eyes checked regularly can be strange or stressful at times. A visual field examination is meant to be painless, and our staff can go over each step with you before the test starts so you know what to expect.
Our team can help you understand why the test was suggested and how the results fit into your general eye-care plan, whether you are being checked for glaucoma, having changes in your peripheral vision, or have been sent for more testing.
Getting a visual field test in Sherman, TX is recommended. Make sure you follow your eye doctor’s instructions for getting ready and the follow-up. Your eye care team can compare results over time and find changes that may need more testing if they do tests on a regular basis.
People who need a glaucoma specialist in Sherman, TX, or an eye specialist near Durant, Oklahoma, can call Texoma Retina and Glaucoma to find out more about the eye care services they offer and to see if a visit is a good fit for their needs.
When should you get in touch with an eye specialist?
If your vision changes suddenly, do not wait for regular tests. If you have new flashes, a sudden rise in floaters, a curtain or shadow across your vision, sudden vision loss, or any other significant changes, you should see a doctor right away.
If you have glaucoma, you should keep up with the exams your eye doctor tells you to have. Your doctor can monitor your health and make decisions about your care based on accurate diagnostic tests and regular appointments.
If you are keen to know more about visual field testing or have been told to get one in Sherman, TX, talk to your eye care team before your visit. Being aware of the test’s goal can make it easier to handle and make you feel ready.
