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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Frequency doubling technology perimetry in normal children
Laurel M Quinn1, Stuart K Gardiner, David T Wheeler
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-4197, USA.
Insights
This study shows that visual field testing using frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry requires revised normal sensitivity parameters for children under 15. Current adult standards are not suitable for younger pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Visual Field Testing
Background:
- Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) perimetry is a common method for visual field testing.
- Established normative databases for FDT perimetry are primarily based on adult populations.
- Pediatric visual field characteristics may differ significantly from adults, necessitating age-specific normative data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative visual field thresholds using FDT perimetry in a pediatric population.
- To quantify testing times and reliability of FDT perimetry in children.
- To determine if current adult FDT perimetry normative values need revision for pediatric use.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study involving 94 children aged 5-17 years.
- Exclusion of children with potential visual field abnormalities or testing difficulties.
- Threshold FDT visual field testing was performed on each eye, with results compared to adult norms and validated at a second center with 72 additional children.
Main Results:
- Children over 14 years had mean deviation values within adult normal limits.
- For children younger than 15, mean deviations decreased with age, following the equation: -11.43 +/- 0.82 dB x age.
- A significant correlation (P < 10(-5)) was found between age and mean deviation in younger children.
Conclusions:
- A normative model for pediatric FDT visual field testing has been established.
- Evidence suggests that current adult normative parameters for visual sensitivity require revision for children under 15 years.
- Age-specific normative data is crucial for accurate interpretation of FDT perimetry results in pediatric populations.
Purpose:
To test visual field thresholds of normal children with frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry to quantify testing times and reliability characteristics in a pediatric population and to determine whether current methods of stratifying adult threshold values need revision for children.
Design:
Prospective cross-sectional study.
Methods:
Ninety-four children, ages 5 to 17 years, were recruited from local pediatric clinics and the general community and were tested at one center. Children likely to have abnormal visual fields or abnormal test taking ability because of ophthalmic, neurologic, or behavioral problems were excluded. Children were asked to perform a threshold FDT visual field with each of their eyes. Threshold results were gathered, analyzed, and compared with the standards that have been established for tests in adults. Results were validated by testing a further 72 children, with the same protocol, at a different center.
Results:
For children older than 14 years, threshold mean deviation values were within normal limits according to the adult normative database that is used currently in FDT perimetry. Below 15 years of age, mean deviations for normal children decreased with decreasing age. The best linear fit was given by a mean deviation of -11.43 +/- 0.82 dB x age (R2 = 0.18; P < 10(-5)).
Conclusion:
This research establishes a normative model for pediatric visual field testing with FDT and, by a comparison of threshold results for normal children to established adult norms, provides evidence that parameters for normal sensitivity must be revised for children younger than 15 years.
