Static threshold examination of the peripheral nasal visual field in glaucoma.

Quantitative computerized threshold perimetry (OCTOPUS) was used to study the peripheral nasal field in patients with glaucoma and patients suspected to have glaucoma. Peripheral nasal defects (detected with a specially designed program) were found in the absence of abnormalities in the central field (as measured by OCTOPUS Program 31 or 32) in approximately 11% of all eyes being evaluated for glaucoma. Examination of the peripheral nasal field by sensitive quantitative threshold perimetry should be included in the careful evaluation of patients with glaucoma and those suspected to have glaucoma. This procedure not only will allow identification of early defects but also will allow careful follow-up of quantified abnormalities over time.