Storage and analysis of Goldmann's visual fields with a personal computer

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Informatics
• Computer Science

Background:

• Goldmann visual fields are essential for assessing visual function.
• Manual analysis of visual field data is time-consuming and prone to error.
• Retinal detachment significantly impacts visual field integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a digital method for storing and analyzing Goldmann visual fields.
• To apply this method to cases of retinal detachment.
• To quantitatively assess visual field changes in retinal detachment.

Main Methods:

• Digitization of manual, two-dimensional analogue Goldmann visual field data.
• Data storage on personal computer floppy disks (1 MB capacity for 170 charts).
• Visualization using two- and three-dimensional computer graphics.
• Calculation of total and quadrant visual field areas.
• Application of weighted area calculations using four weighting functions.

Main Results:

• Digital storage and analysis of Goldmann visual fields are feasible.
• Personal computers can effectively display complex visual field data.
• Weighted area calculations, particularly with a power-type function, significantly emphasize visual field abnormalities in retinal detachment.
• The method allows for detailed analysis of fellow, diseased, and operated eyes.

Conclusions:

• A novel digital method enhances the analysis of Goldmann visual fields.
• This approach is particularly effective for identifying and quantifying visual field defects in retinal detachment.
• The use of weighted areas provides a more sensitive measure of visual field abnormality.