Concepts for automatic perimetry, as applied to the Scoperimeter, an experimental automatic perimeter

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Visual Neuroscience
• Medical Instrumentation

Background:

• Traditional perimetry methods can be time-consuming and subjective.
• There is a need for automated and accurate visual field testing devices.
• Assessing the central visual field is crucial for diagnosing various ocular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and functionality of an experimental automatic perimeter, the Scoperimeter.
• To evaluate the efficiency of different examination programs for visual field testing.
• To present a novel approach using an oscilloscope as a visual field display.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Scoperimeter, an automatic perimeter utilizing an oscilloscope as a display.
• Implementation of a small computer system for controlling visual field examination.
• Design and testing of four examination programs, including screening, static meridional perimetry, and threshold measurement.
• Consideration of factors influencing examination outcomes: instruction phase, progress monitoring, and stimulus timing.

Main Results:

• The Scoperimeter employs an oscilloscope for a homogeneous background luminance and static stimuli within the central 25 degrees of the visual field.
• Screening programs using threshold-related suprathreshold stimuli demonstrated the most effective speed-accuracy compromise.
• Program outputs include non-interpolated grayscale presentations for visual field mapping.
• Other programs allow for static meridional perimetry and luminance threshold measurements.

Conclusions:

• The Scoperimeter represents a novel experimental automatic perimeter for visual field examination.
• Threshold-related suprathreshold screening programs offer an efficient method for visual field assessment.
• The instrument's design incorporates key factors to optimize examination reliability and accuracy.