Automatic computerized perimetry in the detection of neurological visual field defects. A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Visual field testing is crucial for diagnosing neurological conditions affecting vision.
• Traditional manual perimetry methods can be time-consuming and may miss subtle defects.
• Computerized perimetry offers potential for improved accuracy and efficiency in visual field assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an automatic computerized perimeter in detecting visual field defects in patients with neurological diseases.
• To compare the diagnostic performance of automated perimetry against established manual perimetry techniques.

Main Methods:

• Forty-seven eyes from 25 neurological patients were examined using an automatic computerized perimeter.
• Results were compared with findings from manual kinetic and static perimetry using Goldmann's instrument.

Main Results:

• The automatic perimeter detected all visual field defects identified by manual perimetry in 32 cases.
• It additionally identified three small defects missed during the initial manual examination.
• Twelve visual fields were found to be normal using both examination methods.

Conclusions:

• The automatic computerized perimeter demonstrated superior performance in detecting visual field defects compared to manual perimetry in this neurological patient cohort.
• Automated perimetry shows promise as a more sensitive tool for visual field assessment in neurological practice.