Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) Testing

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) testing measures the signals from your visual pathway. Small gold cups called electrodes are pasted to your head to allow us to record those signals.

Just like in a regular eye exam, it is necessary to check how each eye works on its own. This is done by patching the eye that isn’t being checked. If you have glasses, you should bring them for this test.

Visual Evoked Potentials Testing Types

The two parts of visual evoked potentials (VEP) testing are Pattern VEP and Flash VEP.

Pattern VEP test

Pattern VEP

For the Pattern VEP, you will be shown black and white squares that resemble a checkerboard on a computer screen. You will see the squares move and change in size throughout the test. As you're watching this, the signals from your brain will be recorded through the electrodes.

Flash VEP

Flash VEP Test

For the Flash VEP, we use a machine with a light inside it. You will sit close to the machine and watch as the light inside flashes. This part usually moves along faster than the first part.

VEP testing usually takes about an hour.