Unit 2: Visual field defects, double vision & optic disc swelling

The commonest cause of a central visual field defect is from age related macula degeneration.

Central visual field defect can also be from optic nerve disease. These are usually symmetrical, progressive and sub-acute

• Toxic
• Nutritional
• Or inherited i.e. cone dystrophies

There is often

• Associated colour vision defect
• Reduced visual acuity

Right central visual field defect

Reproduced from Multifocal electroretinography in dengue fever-associated maculopathy, Timothy Y Y Lai, Shaheeda Mohamed, Wai Man Chan, et al., 2007 91: 1084-1085. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.