Glaucoma and the Visual Field Test

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I have "end-stage open angle glaucoma" and wondered what the term "6 degree tunnel OU" means.     

Answer:
Visual field tests measure how wide your field of vision is. In other words, to what extent can you see things beyond what is right in front of you in your central vision. Degree measurements begin at the center crosshairs when taking the test, and the measurements get larger the farther from center that you can see. A six degree tunnel indicates that you have a tunnel of vision six degrees wide. People with ten degree visual fields are described as legally blind. 

Answered by: Robert Spurny, MD

Categories: Glaucoma

Have a question that hasn't been answered yet? Ask it!