Introduction to Visual Field Interpretation

Objectives: Upon completion of this conference the resident/student should be able to:

  • Define the visual field
  • Describe the characteristics of the normal visual field
  • Describe the different kinds of visual field testing and their properties
  • Describe the anatomy of the afferent pathways of vision
  • Identify visual defects related to dysfunction of the
    • retina
    • optic nerve
    • optic chiasm
    • optic tracts
    • lateral geniculate nucleus
    • optic radiations
    • visual cortex
  • Identify visual defects related to functional visual loss

Assignment: There is no single chapter in the BCSC Neuro-ophthalmology book that covers this material. Sections in the BCSC that will be useful for preparing for this conference include:

  • Neuro-Ophthalmic Anatomy , Section on "Afferent Visual Pathways"
  • The Patient With Decreased Vision: Evaluation
    • Section on "Evaluation", subsection "Visual Fields" 
  • The Patient With Decreased Vision: Classification and Management -
    • Section on "Optic Neuropathy", subsection "Visual Field Patterns"
    • Section on "Optic Neuropathy", Table 4-1 "Perimetric Terms"
    • Section on "Chiasmal Lesions"
    • Section on "Retrochiasmal Lesions"
  • The Patient With Functional Visual Disorders, Section "Examination Techniques", Subsection "Visual Field Defect"

Altogether this doesn't add up to a large amount of reading.