Open angle glaucoma and visual field test

[ancientbones]

I've had open angle glaucoma for 6 years, controlled with various drops. Last week during the visual field test for my left eye, suddenly the screen went dark for a few seconds, righted itself, then went dark again briefly a couple of minutes later. I couldn't detect flashing lights during that time, so my score was bad. The ophthalmologist would only say it was "because of the glaucoma". This has never happened to me before. Has it ever happened to anyone?

[muddledme]

Hello ancientbones,

Yes, a similar thing happened to me at a virtual clinic for the hospital. As it was so unusual I told the technician who realised it was an error in the machine. I think they then swapped to another one,( it was several years ago ).

Whatever it was then I should hope you could ask for a repeat test as I think a patient is allowed 3 tests.

Good luck

[haraba]

Hi,

I would expect a repeat VFT as that one would be erroneous. A non-functioning screen is a machine error so not seeing the lights during that time is not due to the eye condition.

(I have come across other technical issues that can produce errors - e.g. The wrong lens being used so the target amber light was not focused nor the small black dots below before the test started. Although, the technician asks for your most recent lens prescription and may look at your current glasses, it can be a problem. The eye patch applied such that the edge overlapped the upper VF of the tested eye. The technician not ensuring that the chin rest/seat height are correct and comfortable so the patient is distracted by significant neck and shoulder discomfort).

Good luck. Hope you are successful in arranging a repeat.

[AmandeepSingh]

Hi Ancient Bones,

I agree with MuddledMe, it does sound to be more of an error with the visual field machine. This can occur if there is a glitch with the machine. When your visual field results are reviewed, and there are “random” errors that do not follow a glaucoma pattern then this does not indicate glaucoma progression. If you do feel there is an issue with the machine you can always mention this to the nurses at the time and request the test be repeated. I hope this helps.

Amandeep

Glaucoma UK Advisor

[Beecalmed]

The question is is it the actual screen went dark or your vision went dark. Others on here have advice if it’s the screen. I have experience when its your vision.

I often have my vision go dark when looking through one eye with the other eye closed. Blinking helps it return briefly but it darkens again. I told my ophthalmologist about it and he said it’s because my brain is trying to look through the closed lid of my other eye. We decided it happens more often when viewing through my left eye than my right and I’m probably right eye dominant. He suggested I try to tell my brain to focus on what my left eye was seeing and ignore the blank on the other eye.

Weird, but I am now trying his advice to see if it helps when I have my visual field tests.

I’ve wondered if it also may be why I’m always fairly aware of my scotoma in my right para central vision, which my consultant finds unusual.

[PrincessEdith]

I don't know if this is related but I had complete momentary blindness (Amaurasis Fugux) twice, years before I was diagnosed with glaucoma. I don't know if, at that time, I had glaucoma and it wasn't diagnosed yet or if something else was wrong with my eyes. I think ophthalmologists can sometimes be too quick and they attribute every visual problem to glaucoma. I have other eye problems in addition to glaucoma (too many to list here!). I think it's good to ask specifically if there are any other possible causes for eye/vision symptoms other than glaucoma. Good luck 😀