Short-term fluctuation of light discrimination sensitivity at the borders of glaucomatous visual field defects

Abstract

Using profile program F-4 of the Octopus 201 computerized perimeter, retinal light sensitivity and threshold short-term fluctuations were studied in 15 eyes of 15 patients with glaucomatous field defects, with a resolution of 1.5 degrees. The scotomata were verified with programs 33 and 34 of the Octopus 201. Control profiles, either at identical locations in the healthy fellow eye or in areas showing no glaucomatous changes, were used to compare focal fluctuation in the vicinity of the scotoma. At the borders of the scotomata, between 20 degrees and 30 degrees eccentricity, a significant increase in short-term fluctuation of retinal sensitivity was found. This change in short-term fluctuation decreased with increasing distance from the field defect. Significantly greater short-term fluctuations were also detected in border-area measurements of scotomata located between 0 and 10 or 10 and 20 degrees of eccentricity.