What is the term for an area of complete or partial blindness in an otherwise normal visual field?

The term for an area of complete or partial blindness in an otherwise normal visual field is known as a scotoma. A scotoma refers specifically to a localized region where visual perception is diminished or absent, and it can occur in various conditions affecting the retina, optic nerve, or other visual pathways. Understanding scotomas is important for diagnosing and managing eye diseases, as they can significantly impact a person's functional vision.

In contrast, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to optic nerve damage and visual field loss, but it involves overall damage rather than isolated blind spots. Nystagmus refers to involuntary eye movements, often resulting in reduced vision or difficulties with focus, rather than specific blind areas in the visual field. Phoria relates to a condition where there is a tendency for the eyes to deviate from their proper alignment, which affects binocular vision but does not create an area of blindness in the visual field.