What is the term for the type of visual field loss characterized by the inability to see objects in one half of the visual field?

The term for the type of visual field loss characterized by the inability to see objects in one half of the visual field is homonymous hemianopsia. This condition occurs when there is damage to the pathways that carry visual information from both eyes to the brain. Specifically, it typically arises from lesions in the occipital lobe or the optic radiations and results in the loss of the same half of the visual field in both eyes.

For instance, if a patient has right homonymous hemianopsia, they will have a loss of vision in the right half of their visual field in both the left eye and the right eye. This can significantly impact daily activities and awareness of surroundings, as objects in the affected visual field will not be seen.

Quadrantanopia, on the other hand, refers to loss of vision in a quarter section of the visual field and is generally associated with more localized lesions. Scotoma indicates a small area of visual loss within the visual field rather than an entire half. Bitemporal hemianopsia occurs when there is loss of vision in the outer halves of the visual fields of both eyes, typically due to lesions at the optic chiasm, rather than one complete half.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial