[Automated static perimetry in the child: methodologic and practical problems].

PURPOSE

In a pediatric population, the use of computerized static perimetry is known as particularly difficult. The specific difficulties which may occur when testing young subjects are stability of fixation, ability to maintain concentration, resistance throughout the procedure, and reliability of the answers. It seems important to investigate and to develop appropriate strategies for the examination of children aged 8 years and younger according to their ability to undergo visual field evaluation using automated static perimetry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty normal children aged 5 to 8 years old were evaluated using an Octopus 2000R perimeter, with a one-level strategy. Adaptation of the procedure were included.

RESULTS

The analysis of answers and false-positive catch-trials showed that children as young as five years old did remarkably well regarding both the duration of the examination and the reliability of answers.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated static perimetry examination can provide reliable results in children as young as five years old once a familiarization procedure has been conducted and if the duration of examination does not exceed the child's capacity to remain task focused.