Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Test, visual field
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Test, visual field: A test which measures the extent and distribution of the field of vision.
The visual field test may be done by a number of methods including what are termed confrontation, tangent screen exam and automated perimetry.
Although the test may seem tedious, it is not painful or uncomfortable.
Many diseases can adversely affect the visual fields including glaucoma, strokes, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Medications can also affect the visual fields, including antimalaria medicines such as chloroquine/ATABRINE and hydroxychloroquine/PLAQUENIL.