Reducing noise in suspected glaucomatous visual fields by using a new spatial filter.

Visual field testing with automated perimetry is hampered by the amount of noise present in the readings. Here, we derive a physiologically accurate spatial filter to be applied to the data after patient examination. The filter was tested by a Virtual Eye computer simulation. By simulating series of stable fields it was shown that specificity of determining visual field changes was improved; while simulating progressing fields (based on a map of the optic nerve head) it was shown that sensitivity was also improved. The filter appears to reduce the noise in glaucomatous visual field data and may be clinically useful.