[In kinetic perimetry high refractive errors also influence the isopter position outside the central 30 degrees].

BACKGROUND

In kinetic perimetry, refractive errors are usually only corrected within the central 30 degrees of the visual field. In this study, we determined whether refractive errors have an influence on the peripheral visual field.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The peripheral visual field was determined with and without contact lens correction always by the same examiner in 58 myopic in 30 hyperopic eyes (range of refractive errors - 25 D to + 17.25 D). If the average of an isopter position determined without contact lens was outside its 95 % confidence interval, a significant influence of the corresponding refractive error was postulated. STUDYDESIGN: Experimental, clinical study.

RESULTS

In uncorrected myopias > 11 D and uncorrected hyperopias > 9 D, we observed a significant inward displacement of the I4e isopter. In uncorrected myopias > 18 D and uncorrected hyperopias > 13 D, we observed a significant inwards displacement of the I3e isopter. No influence of refractive errors could be found on the V4e isopter.

CONCLUSIONS

In myopias > 11 D and hyperopias > 9 D kinetic perimetry of the peripheral visual field should be performed only after correcting the refractive error with a contact lens. No refractive correction is needed if only the boundaries are determined.