Which test is used to evaluate disturbances or defects in the visual field?

The test specifically designed to evaluate disturbances or defects in the visual field is visual field testing. This assessment measures the entire scope of vision, including the peripheral areas, helping to identify any areas of vision loss or abnormalities in the visual field, which can be crucial for diagnosing various eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, and neurological disorders.

The Amsler grid test, while useful for detecting central visual field issues associated primarily with macular diseases, does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of the entire visual field. It focuses on a specific area in the center of vision rather than assessing the peripheral vision, which is a significant component of a full visual field examination.

Contrast sensitivity tests assess the ability to distinguish between objects and their backgrounds under various lighting conditions and does not specifically target visual field disturbances. Similarly, retinal examinations focus on the health of the retina and other components of the eye but do not directly evaluate visual field defects.

Thus, visual field testing is the appropriate method to evaluate disturbances or defects in the visual field comprehensively.