New vision test benefits children and vulnerable

New technology to measure the field of vision in children and vulnerable people could be used to monitor and manage brain tumours, according to researchers.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Mar 2012, 06:00 BST

Current testing devices depend on a patient’s complete co-operation and involves keeping the head still for several minutes.

Machines rely on the patient pressing a button in response to moving or flashing lights and are not suitable for about 30 per cent of the population, including children and many elderly patients.

Now, a new device which uses the patient’s natural reactions to movement and light to analyse their visual field will allow them to move their head and will not require their feedback.

It means patients whose visual field was previously impossible to examine will have the test for the first time, the company behind it said.

Visual field testing can detect problems in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by brain tumours and stroke.