Evaluating the Performance of qVFM in Mapping the Visual Field of Simulated Observers With Eye Diseases

Recently, we developed a novel active learning framework, qVFM, to map visual functions in the visual field. The method has been implemented and validated in measuring light sensitivity and contrast sensitivity visual field maps (VFMs) of normal observers. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the qVFM method in mapping the light sensitivity VFM of simulated patients with peripheral scotoma, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract.

For each simulated patient, we sampled 100 locations (60 × 60 degrees) of the visual field and compared the performance of the qVFM method with a procedure that tests each location independently (the qYN method) in a cued Yes/No task. Two different switch modules, the distribution sampling method (DSM) and parameter delivering method (PDM), were implemented in the qVFM method. Simulated runs of 1,200 trials were used to compare the accuracy and precision of the qVFM-DSM, qVFM-PDM and qYN methods.

The qVFM method with both switch modules can provide accurate, precise, and efficient assessments of the light sensitivity VFM for the simulated patients, with the qVFM-PDM method better at detecting VFM deficits in the simulated glaucoma.

The qVFM method can be used to characterize residual vision of simulated ophthalmic patients. The study sets the stage for further investigation with real patients and potential translation of the method into clinical practice.