Visual field defects:

Visual field defects:

Visual field defects refer to the loss of part of the usual field of vision. The visual field describes the area that can be seen by an individual with their eyes fixed on a single point. Our normal field of vision is typically 135º vertically and 180º horizontally (160º for monocular vision). The visual fields can be divided into two components: the central visual field and the peripheral visual field. Damage anywhere along the visual pathway from the retina to the occipital lobe can result in visual field defects.

Causes of Visual Field Defects

Causes of visual field defects are numerous and include:

• Glaucoma
• Vascular disease
• Tumors
• Retinal disease
• Hereditary disease
• Optic neuritis and other inflammatory processes
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Toxins and drugs
• Trauma
• Infiltrative diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Demyelinating diseases

Symptoms of Visual Field Defects

The symptoms of visual field defects can vary depending on the location and severity of the damage. Some common symptoms include:

• Vision loss in one or both eyes
• Visual field defects
• Decreased visual acuity
• Alterations in chromatic sensitivity
• Changes in the appearance of the head of the optic nerve
• Headache
• Photophobia
• Systemic manifestations secondary to variations in the pituitary hormones
• Bumping into things
• Knocking over objects when reaching
• Difficulty reading
• Getting into a car accident

Diagnosis of Visual Field Defects

The diagnosis of visual field defects involves a thorough eye examination and imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The visual field test is also an important diagnostic tool for detecting visual field defects. The ophthalmologist may be involved with the care of patients with visual field defects, performing the diagnosis at first, therefore making the reference for further neurological management and also in the visual rehabilitation and control.