Peripheral visual field thresholds using Humphrey Field Analyzer program 60-4 in normal eyes.

PURPOSE

Various methods have been used for testing peripheral visual field disturbances such as defects caused by drug toxicity. Static threshold perimetry with Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) is widely available. The aim of this study was to better define the normal thresholds for peripheral visual field (PVF) sensitivity and to refine analysis strategies.

METHODS

Automated PVF testing was performed with HFA 60-4 program in 33 normal subjects. Test locations were organized into inner, middle, and outer eccentricity rings and divided into 4 zones: nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior. The threshold visual sensitivity (TVS) in decibels was established for each point.

RESULTS

The majority of points with the lowest TVS and highest between-subject variability were located within the nasal area of the outer ring. Points with the highest TVS and least variability were detected in the inner ring and in the temporal area of the middle and outer rings. Mean zone TVS decreased and variability increased with increasing eccentricity.

CONCLUSIONS

The areas that demonstrate the highest between-subject consistency and thus might best reveal peripheral visual abnormalities with HFA 60-4 are the inner ring, inferior and temporal zone of the middle ring, and temporal zone of the outer ring. These observations may be useful for developing strategies to detect peripheral field loss at an early stage when central vision is not yet affected.