Relative dispersion analysis enhances perimetric sensitivity.

Objective identification of minor visual field defects is problematic. A possible solution is to examine spatial correlations by means of relative dispersion analysis, a tool of fractal analysis. We studied patients with glaucoma, previous optic neuritis, chiasmal compression and lesions of the brain hemispheres, using high-pass resolution perimetry. One-hundred visual field records were drawn consecutively for each category and ranked according to severity of defects. Records with scores ranking below the 35th percentile, i.e. those with the smallest field defects, were analysed. Relative dispersion analysis recognized 1.3-2.4 times more abnormal subjects than did pattern standard deviation. A previously described form index was intermediate in sensitivity. Specificity was 96%. Relative dispersion analysis appears to capture a novel aspect of visual field abnormality, with good sensitivity and specificity. The analysis is easily performed.