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Normal aging effects for frequency doubling technology perimetry
C W Adams1, M A Bullimore, M Wall
1School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Summary
Normal aging decreases contrast sensitivity in frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry, with effects similar to conventional methods but not dependent on visual field location. These findings aid in developing FDT perimetry analysis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Contrast sensitivity is crucial for visual function.
- Aging is known to affect visual perception.
- Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) perimetry is a method for assessing visual fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how normal aging impacts contrast sensitivity measured by FDT perimetry.
- To establish normative data for FDT perimetry across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Contrast sensitivity was measured using frequency-doubled stimuli (0.25 cpd gratings, 25 Hz flicker) on an FDT perimeter.
- 17 visual field locations were tested in 407 normal subjects aged 15-85 years.
Main Results:
- Contrast sensitivity showed a linear decrease of approximately 0.6 dB per decade between ages 15 and 60.
- A slightly accelerated sensitivity loss was observed after age 70.
- No significant differences in age-related sensitivity loss were found across different visual field locations.
Conclusions:
- Aging effects on FDT perimetry are comparable to conventional automated perimetry.
- Unlike conventional methods, FDT perimetry's aging effects are not eccentricity-dependent.
- The study provides normative data essential for FDT perimetry statistical analysis and probability plots.
