Name of the Procedure:

Visual Field Examination, Unilateral or Bilateral, Limited Examination (e.g., Tangent Screen, Autoplot, Arc Perimeter, or Single Stimulus Level Automated Test, such as Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent)

Summary

A visual field examination is a test that measures the entire scope of vision. It assesses how well a person can see across central and peripheral (side) vision fields. This limited examination uses methods like the tangent screen or automated tests to quickly and effectively evaluate visual field defects.

Purpose

This examination is used to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect peripheral vision, such as glaucoma, brain injuries, or optic nerve damage. The main goal is to detect any visual field loss early and monitor existing conditions.

Indications

• Symptoms: Vision loss, blind spots, or trouble seeing objects on the periphery.
• Conditions: Glaucoma, stroke, brain tumors, optic neuritis, and other neurological disorders.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals with risk factors for the above conditions or experiencing unexplained visual abnormalities.

Preparation

• No special preparations such as fasting are required.
• Patients should bring any corrective lenses they use.
• The patient may need to discontinue certain eye medications as directed by their healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated comfortably in front of the testing device.
2. Depending on the method, the patient may be asked to look at a central point while lights or objects briefly appear in their peripheral vision.
3. The patient should press a button each time they see the stimulus.
4. The machine records responses, which are then analyzed by a healthcare professional.
5. Methods used could include tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated tests like the Octopus 3 or 7.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

It is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or an ophthalmologist's office.

Personnel

An ophthalmologist, optometrist, or trained technician typically conducts the examination.

Risks and Complications

• Generally low-risk with no complications.
• Rarely, eye strain or mild discomfort may occur during the test.

Benefits

• Early detection of visual field defects.
• Monitoring disease progression and effectiveness of treatment.
• Results are usually available immediately after the test.

Recovery

• No downtime is required; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary based on test results for further management.

Alternatives

• Comprehensive visual field tests, including more extensive perimetry.
• Imaging tests like MRI, if neurological issues are suspected.
• Pros: More detailed assessment; Cons: May be more time-consuming and complex.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel slight eye strain but generally, the test is well-tolerated.
• Ensuring the correct button is pressed upon seeing the stimuli is crucial for accurate results.
• No pain management is typically necessary for this non-invasive test.

This markdown summary should help give a comprehensive overview of the visual field examination and what patients can expect if undergoing this procedure.