peripheral vision testing

[SillyOldBear66]

I had a eye doctor appt today for some additional peripheral vision testing.
I had this test done 2 months ago, had it done again today (on 2 different machines because the nurse said "Just to be sure." whatever that means), and I am scheduled to go back in 6 months to repeat the testing.

This is the test where you press your face into a machine and focus on a square in the center of the screen. Then little flickers of light appear at different places around the screen and when you see them you signal with a clicker.

Anyone else do this test and not do so well....and be invited back to play again?


I told the eye doc that his retirement plan better not be to market this as a video game because it would not do well at all.

 

[SuiteDisney]

I've had it done on both machines. I should have it done every six months, but I only get it done once a year. The pressure in my eyes is high and they're checking for glaucoma. It's no big deal, but isn't it boring?!?!

Because you have to go back in 6 months doesn't mean that you didn't do well. They just want to compare the two tests to see if there's any difference. The first time is a control and they check future tests against it to see if your peripheral vision has deteriorated.

 

[SillyOldBear66]

It is EXTREMELY boring.....and it freaks me out when I don't see anything for awhile.

I originally took the test 2 months ago as a baseline because my brother was newly diagnosed with glaucoma. His pressures are high and he now uses drops daily.
The results 2 months ago led the doctor to suggest that I come in again (today) and do a more extensive test. (I truly believe that 'extensive' means LONG AND BORING)
After the first run through the nurse said, "Lets try the other machine just to be sure." The machines differed slightly but the idea was the same...click click click.
Then the doctor went over the readouts and he said I didn't do too well but my pressures are GREAT.
The readouts are interesting. They compare your results with healthy people and then with people with eye issues. My results were worse than the healthy people but better than the sick people.
I think a lot of it was nerves. I wouldn't see anything for awhile and then I'd get nervous and want to look all around the screen.

So....back in 6 months to try again.
I told him I going to sneak in a practice between now and then.

 

[GeorgeG]

I've had this test twice in the last year or so. The worst thing about it that it starts playing tricks with your mind and you think your missing a lot, but you're really not. It can drive you nuts.

You shouldn't be too worried about the second test. It might be the first machine they have doubts about, not you.

Good luck

 

[disneybred]

I've had that test too and I hate it, but I'm just gunna have to get used to it. Its better to be safe then sorry. At least your doctor is on top of things and wants to keep checking you and to be thorough.
And it does start playing tricks on your mind. You think that light is there, but it isn't and vice versa. Maybe its really a psych test....

 

[GeorgeG]

For what it's worth, research in England has concluded that tight neckties can increase the chances of developing glaucoma.

We're cuurently on "summer casual" and during the rest of the year we have "casual Fridays," and now I have a medical excuse for not wearing a tie

I'm running eye pressure in the low 20s, so I have to get that checked every six months. I've been rebelling against wearing a tie at work this past year, anyhow, but now I'll ask my eye doctor for an "official" excuse.

I wonder if that means I can;t wear my favorite turtlenecks...

 

[pumba]

twice a year......I have glaucoma......it is a pain to do....the older type machine....like maybe two or three years ago would take at least a half hour.....where this new machine only takes like six minutes per eye......glaucoma if not taking care of ....damages your peripheral vision...so it is a good thing to just do not worry and take the exam....I some time zone out and think omg....did I see that or didnt' I......the attendent that does this test always laughs and says that it all averages out in the end.....so dont' worry

 

[disnee15]

I don't need peripheral vision testing, I'm in marching band

 

[SillyOldBear66]

Disneybred.....I think your on to something. Maybe it's not an eye test at all!!!

I am sitting here smiling as I read these posts. I am SO glad I'm not the only one who gets that feeling that they are missing some....aren't doing it right......or that their eyes play tricks on them.

Maybe they ought to offer a drink before the test to relax ya!! HA!

Now.....where's the number for the local marching band.....


-Tabitha

 

[pumba]

insurance......having to go twice a year to the doctors and having this test is super expensive.......I thnk I saw 160 bucks for this test and that was a few years ago.....

 

[grinningghost]

Thanks to a rare eye disease called keraticonus, I have to be subjected to this horrid test frequently. I also have MS, which often causes eye problems, so there's no way out of it.

Personally, I question the accuracy of this test. Like others have said, after a while, the machine starts to play tricks on your eyes. It's not unlike staring into the sun for several seconds then looking at something else - you end up seeing yellow dots all over everything.

In the past, I've been told I did excellent on the test and I've also been told I failed miserably. Often on tests that were very close together. Just my 2 cents, but I think they need to reinvent this type of screening.