What is the normal range of horizontal field of vision in a healthy adult?

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Last updated: January 23, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Normal Horizontal Field of Vision

The normal horizontal visual field extends approximately 160-170 degrees in total, with roughly 60 degrees nasally and 100 degrees temporally from central fixation in each eye. 1

Horizontal Field Extent

The horizontal visual field in healthy adults demonstrates asymmetric nasal and temporal components:

  • Temporal field: Extends approximately 100 degrees from central fixation 1
  • Nasal field: Extends approximately 60 degrees from central fixation 1
  • Total monocular horizontal span: Approximately 160-170 degrees 1

The binocular overlap region, where both eyes' visual fields coincide, creates the zone responsible for stereoscopic depth perception and single binocular vision. 2

Age-Related Considerations

Visual field extent demonstrates age-dependent changes that should be considered when interpreting field measurements:

  • Age-related decline: The median decrease in visual field extent is approximately 0.8 degrees per decade across all stimulus sizes and age groups 1
  • Reaction time effects: Age affects both the extent and reliability of visual field measurements, with older patients showing slower response times that can influence test results 1

Clinical Testing Parameters

Standard perimetric evaluation typically assesses more limited regions than the full horizontal extent:

  • Standard automated perimetry: Evaluates the central 24 degrees from fixation, with options to extend to 30 degrees 3
  • Central field sensitivity: Normal threshold values range from 30-35 dB in the central field, decreasing toward the periphery 3
  • Full-field kinetic perimetry: Can assess the complete horizontal extent using various isopters (V/4e, III/4e, I/4e, I/3e, I/2e, I/1e, I/1a) 1

Clinical Significance

Understanding normal horizontal field extent is essential for:

  • Severe visual impairment classification: Defined as visual field diameter of 20 degrees or less 3
  • Profound visual impairment: Visual field diameter of 10 degrees or less 3
  • Category 3 blindness: Field no greater than 10 degrees but greater than 5 degrees around central fixation 3
  • Category 4 blindness: Field no greater than 5 degrees around central fixation 3

The optic nerve head is positioned approximately 15.5 degrees nasal and 1.9 degrees above the fovea, which influences the anatomical relationship between visual field defects and structural damage. 4

References

2
Research

Neural mechanisms underlying stereoscopic vision.

Progress in neurobiology, 1998

3
Guideline

Visual Impairment Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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