What visual function does confrontation testing primarily assess?

Confrontation testing is primarily used to assess peripheral vision, which refers to the ability to see objects outside of the direct line of sight. This test evaluates the visual fields of both eyes by having the patient look directly at the examiner's eyes while the examiner introduces visual stimuli from the periphery into the patient’s visual field. By using this method, it allows the examiner to detect any field cuts or blind spots in the patient's peripheral vision, which can indicate various ocular or neurological conditions.

Color discrimination, visual acuity, and depth perception are assessed using other methods. For example, color discrimination tests involve identifying different colors, visual acuity is measured with an eye chart to evaluate clarity of vision, and depth perception can be assessed through various three-dimensional visual tasks. Confrontation testing specifically focuses on the range and sensitivity of peripheral vision, making it a fundamental part of a comprehensive eye examination.