Visual Field Measurement (Perimetry) in Chicago, IL
At Ideal Family Eye Care, we offer visual field measurement — also known as perimetry — as an essential diagnostic tool for detecting and monitoring a range of serious eye and neurological conditions. This painless, non-invasive test measures the full extent of your peripheral and central vision, helping our providers identify changes that may signal the presence of glaucoma, retinal disease, or neurological disorders before significant vision loss occurs.
request an appointmentWhat Is a Visual Field Test?
A visual field test, or perimetry exam, measures the complete range of what you can see — both at the center of your gaze and in your peripheral (side) vision — without moving your eyes. Your visual field encompasses everything your eye can detect when focused on a fixed point, and defects within this field can reveal important information about the health of your retina, optic nerve, and visual pathways in the brain.
At Ideal Family Eye Care, we use automated perimetry — a computerized testing method that precisely measures the sensitivity of your retina at multiple points across your entire visual field. This allows our optometrists to create a detailed map of your vision, accurately detect even subtle defects, and compare results over time to monitor for any progression of disease.
Why Is Visual Field Testing Important?
Many serious eye and neurological conditions can cause blind spots, peripheral vision loss, or other visual field defects — often before the patient is even aware that something is wrong. Visual field testing at Ideal Family Eye Care plays a critical role in the detection and management of:
- Glaucoma: One of the most important uses of visual field testing. Glaucoma typically causes peripheral vision loss first, and regular visual field monitoring is essential for tracking its progression and guiding treatment decisions.
- Optic nerve disorders: Damage to or diseases of the optic nerve can create characteristic visual field defects detectable through perimetry.
- Retinal diseases: Including retinal detachment and other conditions affecting the retina’s ability to receive light signals.
- Neurological conditions: Strokes, brain tumors, and other conditions affecting the brain’s visual processing centers can produce distinctive visual field defects that perimetry can identify.
- Macular degeneration: Monitoring central field loss associated with AMD.
What to Expect During a Visual Field Test
The visual field test at Ideal Family Eye Care is completely safe, painless, and non-invasive. During the exam, you will sit comfortably in front of a perimeter device. One eye is covered at a time while you focus on a fixed central point. Small lights or stimuli will appear at various locations within your field of vision, and you will be asked to press a button each time you see a light. The computer records your responses and generates a detailed map of your visual field, highlighting any areas where sensitivity is reduced or absent. The test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Visual field testing may be recommended as part of your routine comprehensive eye exam, or more frequently if you have been diagnosed with or are at risk for glaucoma or another condition that affects vision. To schedule visual field measurement at Ideal Family Eye Care in Chicago, IL , call us at (773) 774-2200 or book your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visual Field Measurement
What is a visual field test and why is it important?
A visual field test (perimetry) measures the full extent of your central and peripheral vision. It is an essential diagnostic tool for detecting conditions like glaucoma, retinal disease, optic nerve disorders, and neurological conditions that can cause vision loss — often before symptoms are noticeable.
Is a visual field test painful?
No. Visual field testing is completely painless, safe, and non-invasive. No eye drops or dilation are required. You simply sit in front of the perimeter device and respond to light stimuli as they appear in your field of vision.
How long does a visual field test take?
The test typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The total appointment time at Ideal Family Eye Care is usually under an hour, including your pre-test preparation and post-test review with your provider.
Who needs a visual field test?
Visual field testing is recommended for patients with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma, those with elevated eye pressure, patients with optic nerve abnormalities, individuals with neurological symptoms affecting vision, and anyone being monitored for macular degeneration or other retinal diseases.
How often should I have a visual field test?
The frequency of visual field testing depends on your individual risk factors and health history. Patients with glaucoma or other conditions that require ongoing monitoring may need visual field testing every six to twelve months. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will recommend the appropriate schedule for your needs.
Can a visual field test detect glaucoma?
Yes. Visual field testing is one of the primary tools used in glaucoma diagnosis and management. Glaucoma characteristically causes peripheral vision loss that is detectable through perimetry, often before the patient notices any change in their vision. Regular visual field monitoring is essential for patients diagnosed with glaucoma.
How do I schedule a visual field test at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or use our online booking tool to schedule your visual field measurement appointment. Our team will advise whether this test is recommended based on your eye health history and risk factors.