What is the main purpose of a visual field test?

The primary aim of a visual field test is to evaluate peripheral vision and identify any potential losses in that area. Peripheral vision, also known as side vision, plays a crucial role in overall visual awareness, allowing individuals to navigate their environment safely. Assessing this aspect of vision helps detect various conditions, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, and other neurological disorders that may cause vision loss.

By focusing on peripheral vision, this test provides valuable insights into a patient's eye health and can indicate whether further investigation or treatment is necessary. The other options — determining color vision, assessing central vision, or measuring eye pressure — relate to different aspects of visual function or eye health but do not directly pertain to the scope of a visual field test.