This article is from a series of articles about the state-of-the-art equipment at Atlantic Medical Eye Care. This time we’ll look at the Visual Field or VF machine.
Why We Use the Visual Field Machine
A person’s visual field is a measure of how wide an area the eye can see when focused on a central point. The VF machine can help determine if there is vision loss as well as the location in the field of vision it has occurred.
The VF machine is commonly used with patients who have glaucoma to indicate if there has been loss of peripheral (side) vision.
The Visual Field Machine Test
During a VF machine automated perimetry test, the patient looks into the center of the instrument, and small, dim lights begin to appear in different places. The patient is instructed to press a button when they see a light.
The test tracks where the lights that the patient did not respond to appeared. In this way the ophthalmologist can determine if and where the vision deficit is.
Eye Conditions that Require the VF Machine
In addition to glaucoma, there are other eye diseases which indicate the need for a VF test. Those disorders include:
- multiple sclerosis
- hyperthyroidism
- pituitary gland problems
- central nervous system conditions, such as tumors and stroke
This test is typically repeated at subsequent eye examinations to assess the progression of disease.
In Central NJ? Request an Appointment
If you’re located in central New Jersey, give your eyes top-notch care at Atlantic Medical Eye Care. Request an appointment today at our Old Bridge, NJ office.
Image credit: HealthJade.net
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