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The learning effect in visual field testing of healthy subjects using frequency doubling technology
Amjad Horani1, Shahar Frenkel, Claudia Yahalom
1Department of Opthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of Glaucoma
|December 17, 2002
Summary
First-time visual field (VF) testing shows a learning effect, with initial results being poorer. Relying on the second test session provides a more accurate baseline for tracking changes in visual field sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Science
Background:
- Serial visual field (VF) testing is crucial for monitoring eye conditions.
- Understanding learning effects in VF testing is important for accurate patient assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the learning effect in serial visual field (VF) testing using frequency doubling technology (FDT).
- To determine the presence, duration, and magnitude of learning in FDT VF testing.
Main Methods:
- 21 healthy adults with no prior VF experience underwent 6 serial full-threshold C-20 program tests on the Zeiss-Humphrey FDT analyzer.
- Tests were conducted on one randomly chosen eye, with at least two days between sessions.
Main Results:
- The first VF test showed significantly poorer mean sensitivity and mean deviation (MD) compared to subsequent tests.
- A substantial portion of improvement (63-65%) occurred between the first and second sessions.
- Test duration decreased slightly, and learning effects were more pronounced in peripheral and nasal visual field segments.
Conclusions:
- Baseline measurements for FDT VF testing should ideally be based on the second testing session.
- Initial testing may yield poorer results in subjects new to VF testing.
- This finding is particularly relevant for longitudinal patient monitoring.