Visual fields interpretation in glaucoma: a focus on static automated perimetry

Examining the visual fi elds is an integral part of any ophthalmic evaluation. All ophthalmologists ordering and interpreting visual fi elds should go through the experience of having visual fi eld tests done on them, and also perform some tests on patients themselves. This may help them better understand and use the diff erent perimeters available, and improve their communication with their technicians. There are so many excellent textbooks covering the subject of visual fi elds in glaucoma, and the reader is advised to go through at least one of those to grasp the whole topic. This article focuses on some practical aspects of visual fi eld testing, including patients with multiple pathologies, examining the patient with advanced glaucoma, and the diff erential diagnosis of glaucomatous fi eld defects, This article addresses the use of the ‘Humphrey’ perimeter, but also includes brief notes on the Octopus printout. Before starting, certain facts must be remembered: