Comparison of the Temporal Hemifield and Nasal Hemifield Sensitivity in Patients with Early-Onset Convergent Strabismus

Abstract

Objective To analyze the hypothesis that a reduction in sensitivity of the nasal visual hemifield would lead to an increase in the nasotemporal asymmetry of the visual field in patients under two years of age with early-onset convergent strabismus in comparison with normal patients. Methods Both eyes of 66 patients—33 esotropes and 33 normals - were studied. Patients' age ranged from 7 to 30 years. The examination consisted of a static perimetry using the Humphrey field analyzer 700 Series' Sita Standard program. Results An accentuation of the nasotemporal asymmetry was seen in the 33 esotropes and was related to an evident decrease of sensitivity in the most peripheral of the points studied along the horizontal meridian of the visual field. The quantitative sum of values of sensitivity of these points showed an average reduction of −15.71% in relation to the normal patients. Conclusion There was a clear accentuation of the nasotemporal asymmetry of sensitivity in esotropes when compared to normal patients. There was no difference in sensitivity between the two eyes in either normals or esotropes.