[Automated and semiautomated perimetry. Comparative trial of 3 devices (Baylor programmer, Friedmann Mark II...

Modern perimetry involves automated or semi-automated procedures, this computer assisted perimetry (CAP) providing results independent of the examiner, and with marked discrimination of light sensibility through quantification of points tested. A wide variety of CAP devices are available, and a comparative study was conducted in 50 patients using 3 perimetric apparatuses with similar supraliminal static techniques but with variable automated potentials: The Goldman perimeter modified by "Baylor visual fields programmer": static technique for the middle area and kinetic for the peripheral area. The Friedmann Mark II Visual Fields Analyser with a multiple stimulus static technique for the middle area. The Fankhauser Octopus 2000 R perimeter with a precise static technique for middle and peripheral areas. This perimeter, highly automated, also allows statistical evaluation of defects changes, owing to storage of results on magnetic discs. Patients studied had either: glaucoma (25 cases) or neuro-ophthalmologic and retinal disorders (24 cases). Conclusions drawn from the experience acquired by the authors during more than one year of use of the 3 devices were: Rate of detection of defects is excellent with the Octopus and quite good with the Friedmann MKII, but limited in the middle area. The Baylor program does not allow quantification of defects. The image is clear with the Octopus as far as the gray scale is concerned, and more exact as far as the comparative tables are concerned; is not clear with the Friedmann MKII; is typical and clear with the Baylor. The length of examination (which varies with the programs used as far as the Octopus is concerned, and with the patient's reaction time) is usually long with the Octopus and the Friedmann, but short with the Baylor. Time and energy can be gained by the use of the Octopus, since it supplies data obtained from use of the Baylor program associated with that of the Friedmann MKII. The authors prefer to follow up campimetric evolution of glaucomatous patients with the Octopus because it offers more sensibility and precision in quantifying losses. The application of the statistical evaluation delta program on the 2000 R device, which will soon be tested in the Ophthalmological Department, could in an objective way indicate whether there is stabilization or a real progression of glaucomatous defects.