Programmed visual field testing.

The use of programmed static spot-checking is remarkably accurate in detecting the presence of visual field defects, even the earliest abnormality, provided the correct stimulus (or stimuli) is chosen to check an appropriate number of spots, and the location of each missed response is retested. Automatic quantitation of visual field defects (so it can later be determined if the defects are worsening) can be accomplished automatically with some of the more expensive new instruments. The less elaborate instruments require repetitive testing or manual interaction, achieving accurate results, but typically with a cumbersome record of the results that is difficult to interpret. An efficient plan for the usual office at present is to use an automated spot-checking instrument for screening and diagnosis, but to depend upon the tangent screen or Goldmann perimeter for quantitation unless the most expensive automated instruments can be afforded.