Study of Visual Field Defects in Neuro-Ophthalmology Cases at SVRRGG Hospital, Tirupathi - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Visual field defects are caused by different lesions affecting different sites of visual pathway. Most common causes include stroke and intracranial space occupying lesions. Assessment of visual field defect helps in localization of the lesion along with measurement of the defect. The purpose of this study was to record different types of visual field defects in neuro-ophthalmic diseases. METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February 2016 and March 2018 at Department of Ophthalmology, SVRRGG Hospital. Visual field testing was done by confrontation method and Humphreys field analyser with best corrected visual acuity. Patient satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria are included in the study. RESULTS Among the 58 participants, 37 (64 %) were males and 21 (36%) were females. Cerebrovascular accident was seen in 25 cases which was the most common aetiology followed by pituitary adenomas in 14 cases. Complete homonymous hemianopia was observed in 16 cases which was the most common field defect followed by bi-temporal hemianopia in 12 cases, enlargement of blind spot in 11 cases, incomplete homonymous hemianopia in 7 cases, superior and inferior quadrantanopia in 4 cases each, inferior altitudinal field defects in 2 cases, central scotomas in two cases and superior altitudinal field defect in one case. CONCLUSIONS Visual field defects are used to monitor the progression, recurrence of disease and as a guide for treatment. It is mandatory to record the fields in the neuroophthalmic diseases. KEY WORDS Visual Field Defects, Neuro-Ophthalmic Diseases