Comparison of manual Goldmann and automated static visual fields using the Dicon 2000 perimeter in the detection of chiasmal tumors.

We report that changes in the program (software) operating an automated perimeter (hardware) remarkably improved its ability to produce interpretable diagnostic information. A group of 11 postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas and other chiasmal tumors having stable visual field defects demonstrated by manual kinetic and suprathreshold Goldmann perimetry were re-examined with automated suprathreshold static perimetry performed by the Dicon model 2000 perimeter. During the study a program for two-zone (central and peripheral), three-level suprathreshold static perimetry became available. With optimum test administration and interpretation, the Dicon 2000 perimeter with the two-zone, three-level suprathreshold program can at least equal the performance of an experienced perimetrist using manual Goldmann kinetic and selective static perimetry in the detection of visual field defects resulting from chiasmal tumors. The two-zone, three-level suprathreshold suprathreshold program was superior to a single zone, one-level programs in examining this population.