Reaction test for competence in visual pathway lesions

Performance in the visual environment was evaluated with a central fixation or a search target in 11 positions within 34 degrees on a CRT, superimposed on a landscape. Reaction times were recorded. We examined 24 patients aged 26-83, with lesions of the visual pathways and homonymous visual field defects, and 18 normal subjects aged 23-79. This simple test takes about 1 minute in normal subjects and four or more minutes in neurological patients. The test may be used to quantify saccadic adaptation to disability from homonymous field defects and to monitor the training effects of visual rehabilitation.