Question 1

how often should you have a visual field test when you have glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Visual field test: In stable glaucoma, normally done once a year to verify that no change for the worse is occurring. If so, treatment will be intensified. If your glaucoma is unstable, or a change in the optic nerve is noted, a visual field is done at that time even if already done that year. Visual fields are measured besides the optic nerve cup/disc ratio, intraocular pressure, and nerve fiber layer.

Question 2

why is it that i do poorly on visual field test using a frequency doubling perimetry machine but test results are much better using humphrey machine.

Accepted Answer

Complex question.: This complex question is best answered by an Ophthalmologist (one who knows your condition &amp; knows you best). In general, there are 2 types of perimeters (devices which measure visual fields). There are kinetic perimeters, like the frequency doubling machine, &amp; the static perimeters (like the Goldman method, Humphrey machine, &amp; Donder's test). If you can't see flickers, you do worse on kinetics.

Question 3

in glaucoma annual exam i have humphrey visual field test but not the goldman test that measures wider field. is it a good idea to have both tests?

Accepted Answer

Not an issue: Visual field tests are helpful in the early diagnosis of glaucoma.  Disc evaluation is more useful in the middle phases and visual field becomes the only marker later when the disc is maximum.  The Humphrey is standardized against the Goldmann  and either test is useful when sequential tests are run.  It does not usually matter which is done and some cannot do the Humphrey well.

Question 4

have macular pucker causes white to appear gray. also have glaucoma. will visual field test be inaccurate because background is gray instead of white.

Accepted Answer

Little effect: Visual field testing measures macro vision aspects of the retina, usually more peripheral.  Macular pucker will not affect  the testing for glaucoma  It will cause variation in a test called the Amsler grid but that is not used for testing glaucoma.

Question 5

i've been on 400 mg plaquenil fo 6 years. no signs of toxicity. in general, how often should i have 10-2 visual field test? every year?every 6 months?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxychloroquine: As a rheumatologist, I have patients on Plaquenil for years. At the doses we now use, side effects are rare. I think all patients, on Plaquenil or not, should have an eye exam once a year.  I would be happy to consult with you, if you have any more specific questions.

Question 6

in glaucoma exam what does it mean when dr. says there is "questionable change" to the optic nerve. no change in visual field test.

Accepted Answer

Progression: changes in the optic nerve are hard to quantitate
changes in the visual field are more definitive but you do not want to wait until that happens
it is time to be more aggressive in your glaucoma therapy

Question 7

i had visual field test with 0 fixation losses and 0 false positives- 0false neg felt my eye maybe moved around.is field accurate still? nml

Accepted Answer

Good result: With zero fixation losses and zero false positives, your performance at the test was likely to be flawless and the results fully reliable.

Question 8

visual field test result normal - 3/14 fixation error. some peripheral vision loss not in field of vision. why does test result say normal?

Accepted Answer

It is: The fixation losses are related to the reliability of the test.  Some peripheral shading is within normal limits on the test.

Question 9

visual field test normal w/minimal peripheral vision loss. after diagnosed w/glaucoma feel more nervous driving such as changing lanes. psychological?

Accepted Answer

Probably. : Early glaucoma field loss does not cause widespread peripheral vision loss.  It usually is subtle, sectoral- not total.  Follow your doctors treatment regimen to prevent porgression.

Question 10

is it possible to get accurate visual field test with macular pucker decline in visual acuity, lights less bright & white computer screen looking gray?

Accepted Answer

Usually it is fine: You have defects in the central visual portion of your field of view - an area poorly outlined by most field testing devices.  Field tests will define major defects which largely will register from the peripheral areas tested. Have you had a field tested in the past?   Is there some condition being sought for with a field.?  Your ophthalmologist would not order a field if he doubts the result.

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Doctor answers about:

Abnormal visual field test

A member asked:

How often should you have a visual field test when you have glaucoma?

A member asked:

Why is it that i do poorly on visual field test using a frequency doubling perimetry machine but test results are much better using humphrey machine.

A member asked:

In glaucoma annual exam i have humphrey visual field test but not the goldman test that measures wider field. is it a good idea to have both tests?

A member asked:

Have macular pucker causes white to appear gray. also have glaucoma. will visual field test be inaccurate because background is gray instead of white.

A member asked:

I've been on 400 mg plaquenil fo 6 years. no signs of toxicity. in general, how often should i have 10-2 visual field test? every year?every 6 months?

A member asked:

In glaucoma exam what does it mean when dr. says there is "questionable change" to the optic nerve. no change in visual field test.

A member asked:

I had visual field test with 0 fixation losses and 0 false positives- 0false neg felt my eye maybe moved around.is field accurate still? nml

A member asked:

Visual field test result normal - 3/14 fixation error. some peripheral vision loss not in field of vision. why does test result say normal?

A member asked:

Visual field test normal w/minimal peripheral vision loss. after diagnosed w/glaucoma feel more nervous driving such as changing lanes. psychological?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get accurate visual field test with macular pucker decline in visual acuity, lights less bright & white computer screen looking gray?

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