Comparison of automated perimetry and pattern visually evoked cortical potentials in optic neuritis.

Twenty-one eyes of thirteen patients suffering from optic neuritis were examined with the Octopus automated perimeter and pattern visually evoked cortical potentials. All eyes had visual acuity of 0.2 or better. Visual field examination was measured by program 31 or 33, which tests the central 30-degree fields in a 6-degree grid. Pattern evoked potentials were obtained by reverse checkerboard stimulation of 3 rev/sec. A prolonged P100 latency was related to at least one abnormal point in the central nine points of program 31. All seven eyes with one abnormal point in the center had a delayed peak latency. The patients with either the normal central nine points of program 31 or normal peak latency had visual acuity of 0.6 or better. The graphs of visual acuity by Octopus compared with pattern evoked potential were very similar. With program Delta, the sensitivity loss ratio, i.e., the ratio of the mean loss at eccentricity of less than 10 degrees over less than 30 degrees, was related to the peak latency in optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis.