WEEK 2 AMSLER GRID AND CONFRONTATION VISUAL FIELDS Visual Field Examinations

Amsler grid The Amsler grid is a tool for evaluating the macular region of the central visual field. This is a portable test that is done in the office and can be taken home by the patient to monitor their vision and any changes that might occur. This is kept in the patient’s chart to compare

Amsler Grid Amsler grid testing is for central VF. This test is specifically used for macular problems such as, macular degeneration and macular holes. To perform an Amsler grid test: Have the patient cover his left eye and look at the center dot. Have the patient hold the test inches away, at normal reading distance. While looking at the dot, instruct the patient to look at the grid overall making sure that all four corners are there. Instruct the patient to let you know if there are any lines missing or curved. Some patients will have trouble seeing the dot in the center. You may instruct then to imagine the center dot or make it larger with red ink. If there are any abnormalities, they need to be noted with pen by the patient. If there are no abnormalities, note WNL ( within normal limits) Every Amsler grid must have the patient’s name, date of the test and what eye was tested written on the test.

Confrontation Visual field This is the most basic type of VF testing. No equipment is necessary; it can be don any time or any place. This test will only pick up extensive VF loss.

Make sure the patient has one eye occluded and is looking at your nose. Make sure that you are placing the target in the patient's VF not yours!!! Confrontation Visual Field

Always label with Patient's name and date. Any VF loss’ must be shown and labeled. Confrontation VF

Scotomas A scotoma is a loss of vision in one’s VF that should normally have been seen. Scotomas can be absolute (NLP, total vision loss) or relative (some loss of vision) Relative scotomas may be referred to “shallow or deep”.

Types of scotomas