Subjective detection of visual field defects using home TV set.

The usefulness of the noise-field spontaneously generated on a home television screen for subjective perception of visual field defects was studied in 196 eyes of ocular hypertensive or normal subjects, 166 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma and 124 eyes with low-tension glaucoma. All subjects had never perceived their field defects. In 290 glaucoma eyes, including 71 eyes of early glaucoma, 265 eyes (91.4%) could perceive abnormality of the noise-field which corresponded to visual field defects confirmed by static perimetry. In 6 normal eyes abnormality of the noise-field was perceived at the blind spot. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was 91% and 97%, respectively. The time required for testing one eye was 3-5 seconds. The results indicate that the Noise-Field Test using a home television set can be an excellent method for subjective perception of visual field defects, and can also be used for glaucoma screening.