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

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The term for an area of complete or partial blindness within an otherwise normal visual field is "scotoma." A scotoma can manifest due to a variety of conditions affecting the retina, optic nerve, or brain, often resulting from inflammation, damage, or other disruptions to typical visual processing.

This term is crucial in the field of ophthalmology and neurology as it indicates that while the overall visual function may appear normal, there are specific areas where vision is impaired. For example, someone with a scotoma might experience a blank spot or shadow in their vision, which can significantly impact daily activities without affecting their overall eyesight. Awareness and identification of scotomas can lead to further investigation of underlying issues, establishing its importance for diagnosis and treatment.

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