Visual Field Defects

Question 1

what 4 facts must be established when assessing for visual field defects?

Answer 1

1. Is the defect bilateral?
2. Does the defect have sharp boundaries?
3. Do defects lie in the vertical or horizontal meridians?
4. What is the acuity?

Question 2

what are lesions of sudden cause often due to

Answer 2

vascular causes

Question 3

causes of visual field defect

Answer 3

vascular disease

space occupying lesion

demyelination (MS)

trauma, including surgical

Question 4

optic nerve lesions

Answer 4

typically central, asymmetrical and unilateral

acuity is often affected

eg left optic nerve lesion - left anopia

Question 5

where are boundaries in lesions behind the optic nerve

Answer 5

vertical meridian

Question 6

is acuity affected in lesions behind the optic nerve

Answer 6

tends not to be impaired (cant seen in affected field though)

Question 7

what may the optic chiasma be affected by

Answer 7

pituitary tumour

craniopharyngioma

meningioma

Question 8

how does lesion of optic chiasm present

Answer 8

bitemporal hemianopia and headache

Question 9

left optic tract lesions

Answer 9

right homonymous hemianopia

macula not spared

Question 10

lesion of left temporal optic tract

Answer 10

right superior homonymous quadrantanopia

Question 11

lesion of left parietal optic tract

Answer 11

right inferior homonymous quadrantanopia

Question 12

L occipital cortex lesion

Answer 12

right homonymous hemianopia with macula sparing

Question 13

Answer 13