What is a vision field exam?

A vision, or visual, field test is a type of diagnostic test that measureï¾’s the entire scope of a personï¾’s vision, including both side, or peripheral, and central vision, according to MedicineNet. Optometrists generally order a vision field test to check for damage to the optic nerve due to glaucoma.

Doctors may also order a vision field test to detect eye diseases, including peripheral or central retinal disease and optic nerve disease, notes MedicineNet. Doctors also use the test, which maps the visual fields of the eyes independently, as a diagnostic tool for eyelid conditions such as drooping, or ptosis.