HVFA (Humphrey Visual Field Analysis)

Mapping Every Corner of Your Vision

Your central vision is only part of what you see. Your peripheral vision — everything you see to the sides, above, and below without moving your eyes — is just as important for daily life. HVFA is a specialised test that maps your complete field of vision and detects areas where sight may be fading or already lost — often before you have noticed any problem yourself.

What Is Humphrey Visual Field Analysis?

The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer is a computerised perimetry machine that tests your visual field — the full area you can see while looking straight ahead. During the test, small lights of varying brightness appear at different positions around your field of vision. You press a button each time you see a light. The machine maps your responses and identifies any areas where your visual sensitivity is reduced or absent, producing a detailed map of your visual field that your specialist can analyse and monitor over time.

Why Is This Test So Important?

• Glaucoma damages peripheral vision first — often before central vision is affected at all
• HVFA detects these losses early, when treatment can still prevent further damage
• It is used to monitor the progression of glaucoma over months and years
• It can detect field losses caused by neurological conditions affecting the visual pathway
• It helps assess fitness to drive when peripheral vision may be reduced

What Happens During the Test?

Step 1 — Preparation

You sit comfortably in front of the machine. One eye is covered at a time so each eye is tested individually. If you wear glasses, you may need a trial lens placed in the machine to correct your vision for the test distance.

Step 2 — The Test

You look straight ahead at a fixed point in the centre of the bowl-shaped screen. Lights of different sizes and brightness appear at various positions around your field of vision. Each time you see a flash of light, you press a handheld button — even if the light seems very faint.

Step 3 — Results and Analysis

The machine produces a detailed printout showing your visual sensitivity at every point tested. Your specialist reviews this map carefully, comparing it to normal values and to any previous tests you have had, to determine whether any areas of loss are present or progressing.

How Long Does It Take?

Each eye typically takes around five to ten minutes to test. The test requires concentration and some patients find it tiring — but it is completely painless and no drops or special preparation are needed. Taking your time and pressing the button whenever you think you see a light — even if you are not sure — gives the most accurate result.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• The gold-standard Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer for accurate and reproducible results
• Experienced specialists who interpret results in the context of your full clinical history
• Results compared to previous tests over time to detect subtle progression early
• Clear explanation of what your visual field map means for your eye health and daily life