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Altitudinal Field Defect

Altitudinal Field Defect

Altitudinal visual field defects are horizontal hemianopias, in that they respect the horizontal meridian; they may be superior or inferior. Altitudinal field defects are characteristic of (but not exclusive to) disease in the distribution of the central retinal artery. Central vision may be preserved (macula sparing) because the blood supply of the macula often comes from the cilioretinal arteries.

Recognized causes of altitudinal visual field defects include:

  • Monocular:
    • Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)
      Acute ischemic optic neuropathy (AION)
      Retinal detachment
      Choroiditis Glaucoma
      Chronic atrophic papilledema
  • Bilateral:
    • Sequential CRAO, AION
      Bilateral occipital (inferior or superior calcarine cortices) lesions

Cross References

Hemianopia; Macula sparing, Macula splitting; Quadrantanopia; Visual field defects