[A comparison of central visual field measurement by automated perimetry in optic neuritis due to multiple sclerosis and of unknown etiology].

We compared the visual field in 46 eyes of 34 cases with optic neuritis, which included 17 cases with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 17 cases with unknown causes. The visual field examination was measured by program 31 of the Octopus automated perimeter, which tests the central 30 degree field in a 6-degree grid. All eyes had visual acuity of 0.2 or better. The mean visual acuity was 0.97 in MS and 0.83 in the unknown etiology cases. There were no differences in the rate of abnormalities in the 30 degree-field between MS and unknown cases. The mean sensitivity loss of the abnormal visual field with MS was significantly greater than that of the unknown cases. The 30 degree field was divided into 3 sections. MS had almost the same mean sensitivity loss in each section. The cases of unknown etiology had a greater mean loss in 0-10 degrees than that in the other sections. We could conclude therefore that diffuse visual field loss was caused by MS and central depression of 0-10 degrees in the 30 degree field was secondary to an unknown cause. In comparison to the affected eyes seventeen eyes with normal visual acuity and no history of optic neuritis were tested by program 31. Results showed that 3 eyes had abnormal points in 10-30 degree sections.