If your test results are normal, your peripheral vision is in good working order. However, if you have abnormal results, there may be a problem with your central nervous system or an undiagnosed health problem.
Abnormal visual field test results are a reason for concern and normally result in more testing to uncover the problem.
Potential causes of abnormal visual field test results include the following:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Optic glioma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Central nervous system problems, such as a tumor that is compressing one of the visual parts of your brain
- Stroke
Don't be alarmed if your doctor repeats your visual field test several times to ensure its validity, as there is some subjectivity in performing the test. The first time a doctor performs a visual field test, they may not know what to expect, thus invalidating the results. Repeat testing often yields normal results.
Source:
Choplin, Neil T and Russel P. Edwards. Humphrey Field Analyzer. SLACK Incorporated, 1995.
