Glaukomhemfältstestet

Glaukomhemfältstestet, also known as the glaucomatous visual field test or simply visual field testing, is a diagnostic procedure used to assess an individual's peripheral vision. It is a crucial tool in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss. The test measures the extent of a person's visual field, which is the entire area that can be seen at one time without moving the head or eyes.

The test is typically performed using a specialized instrument called a perimeter. During the examination, the patient fixates on a central point within the darkened dome of the perimeter. Lights of varying intensity and location are then presented within the patient's visual field. The patient is instructed to indicate whenever they see a light by pressing a button. The perimeter records the patient's responses, mapping out areas where vision is present and identifying any blind spots or areas of reduced sensitivity.

Glaukomhemfältstestet is sensitive to the characteristic peripheral vision loss associated with glaucoma. As glaucoma progresses, it often affects the nerve fibers in the retina, leading to scotomas, or blind spots, which may initially go unnoticed by the patient. Regular visual field testing allows ophthalmologists to detect these changes early, monitor the progression of the disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment aimed at preserving remaining vision. The results of the test are recorded as a visual field map, which can be compared over time to track changes in the patient's visual field.