OCT ganglion cell analysis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

OCT ganglion cell analysis is an imaging-based measurement of retinal ganglion cell–related layers in the back of the eye. It is performed using optical coherence tomography (OCT), a common scan used in eye clinics. It helps clinicians assess structural changes that can occur in glaucoma and some optic nerve conditions. It is often reviewed alongside eye pressure checks, optic nerve exams, and visual field testing.

OCT RNFL: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

OCT RNFL is an eye imaging measurement that looks at the retinal nerve fiber layer using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It helps clinicians assess the health of nerve fibers that carry visual information from the eye to the brain. It is commonly used in glaucoma care and in evaluating optic nerve–related conditions. It is a quick, non-contact test performed in many optometry and ophthalmology clinics.

OCT macula: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

OCT macula is an imaging test that creates cross-sectional “slice” views of the macula, the central part of the retina. It helps clinicians see retinal layers and measure subtle swelling or thinning that may not be visible on routine exam. OCT macula is commonly used in eye clinics, optometry offices, and retina practices for diagnosis and follow-up. It is a noninvasive scan that uses light, not X-rays.

optical coherence tomography: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive imaging test that creates cross-sectional “slice” views of eye tissues. It is often used to examine the retina, macula, and optic nerve in fine detail. Clinicians use it in ophthalmology and optometry to help detect, document, and monitor many eye conditions. The images can help explain symptoms and track changes over time.

Goldmann perimetry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Goldmann perimetry is a vision test that maps how much you can see to the sides while looking straight ahead. It is a form of *manual visual field testing* performed with a bowl-shaped instrument called a Goldmann perimeter. Clinicians use it to evaluate peripheral vision and patterns of vision loss. It is commonly used in eye clinics and neuro-ophthalmology settings, especially when automated tests are not ideal.

Humphrey visual field: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Humphrey visual field is a standardized test that measures how well you see in different parts of your visual field. It is most commonly performed on an automated perimeter (often called a Humphrey Field Analyzer). Clinics use it to map areas of reduced sensitivity that may not be noticeable in everyday vision. It is widely used in ophthalmology and optometry, especially for glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology evaluations.

automated perimetry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

automated perimetry is a computerized test that measures how well you can see in different parts of your visual field (side vision and central vision). It uses small light stimuli presented in a controlled pattern while you look at a central target. It is commonly used in eye clinics to detect and monitor diseases that affect the optic nerve, retina, or visual pathways in the brain. It is most often associated with glaucoma care, but it has broader neurologic and retinal applications.

perimetry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

perimetry is a set of tests that measure your visual field, meaning what you can see to the side while looking straight ahead. It is commonly used in eye clinics to detect and monitor vision loss that may not be noticed in day-to-day life. perimetry is especially associated with glaucoma care, but it is also used for retinal and neurologic conditions. The result is a map that helps clinicians understand where vision is normal and where it is reduced.

confrontation visual fields: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

confrontation visual fields is a quick, bedside way to screen a person’s visual field (the area they can see while looking straight ahead). It is commonly used during routine eye exams and in urgent settings like emergency rooms or neurology evaluations. The clinician compares what the patient can see to what the clinician can see under similar conditions. It helps flag possible peripheral or central vision loss that may need more detailed testing.

Amsler grid: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Amsler grid is a simple vision test that uses a square grid pattern with a central fixation point. It is designed to check central vision and look for distortion, missing areas, or warping of lines. It is commonly used in eye clinics and sometimes for at-home monitoring when a clinician recommends it. It is most closely associated with conditions that affect the macula, the central part of the retina.

color vision testing: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

color vision testing checks how well a person can see and distinguish colors. It looks for patterns of color confusion, not just whether someone “sees color.” It is commonly used in eye exams, school or workplace screening, and eye disease evaluation. It can help separate inherited color vision deficiency from changes caused by eye or nerve conditions.

accommodation testing: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

accommodation testing measures how well the eyes focus from far to near. It evaluates the eye’s “focusing system,” mainly the natural lens and ciliary muscle. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology exams when near-vision symptoms are reported. It can also support diagnosis of binocular vision and focusing disorders.

convergence testing: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

convergence testing checks how well both eyes turn inward together to look at a near target. It is a common part of binocular vision and eye alignment evaluation in optometry and ophthalmology. It helps explain symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and double vision during reading or screen use. It is used in routine eye exams and in assessments after neurologic events such as concussion.

nystagmus exam: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A nystagmus exam is an eye movement assessment that looks for involuntary, repetitive eye oscillations called *nystagmus*. It is commonly used in eye clinics, neuro-ophthalmology, and sometimes in vestibular (inner ear) evaluations. The goal is to describe how the eyes move and what those movements may suggest about vision and neurologic function. It can be part of a routine eye evaluation or a targeted workup for symptoms like blurred vision or dizziness.

ocular motility exam: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

An ocular motility exam checks how well the eyes move and work together. It looks for limits in eye movements and for eye misalignment that can cause double vision. It is commonly included in routine eye exams, strabismus (eye turn) evaluations, and neuro-ophthalmology visits. It can be done in clinics, emergency settings, and inpatient consults when vision or neurologic symptoms are present.

ocular alignment: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

ocular alignment describes how the two eyes are positioned and aimed relative to each other. It affects whether both eyes can point at the same target at the same time. Clinicians use it to evaluate binocular vision (how the eyes work together). It is commonly discussed in eye exams, strabismus care, and pediatric vision assessment.

Krimsky test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Krimsky test is an eye alignment test used to estimate the size of strabismus (eye misalignment). It builds on the corneal light reflex (the small “light spot” seen on the cornea) and uses prisms to measure deviation. It is commonly used in pediatric eye exams and in patients who cannot reliably perform standard cover testing. Clinicians use it in ophthalmology and optometry clinics as part of a broader binocular vision assessment.

Hirschberg test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

The Hirschberg test is a quick eye alignment check based on the position of a light reflection on the cornea. It helps clinicians estimate whether one eye is turned in, out, up, or down compared with the other. It is commonly used in routine eye exams, pediatric eye care, and strabismus (eye misalignment) evaluations. It is often performed when a person cannot reliably perform more complex alignment tests.