Computer analysis of visual field loss and optimization of automated perimetric test strategies.

Preliminary investigations of optimal target distribution patterns of automated perimetry were conducted. In the first study, frequency distributions of visual field defects were determined in glaucoma (260 scotomata) and optic nerve disease (110 scotomata) for approximately 30,000 visual field locations. The frequency distributions in glaucoma and optic nerve disease were different, and suggest guidelines for development of target distribution patterns to achieve optimal detection rates. The second study included computer simulation of 20 target distribution patterns currently used in manual and automated perimetry. Each distribution pattern was processed through the 370 glaucoma and optic nerve disease scotomata to assess detection performance. Both the density and distribution of target locations affected overall detection rates. In addition, some target configurations were more susceptible to false alarms than others. These data provide qualitative information for optimization of target distribution patterns in automated perimetry, and serve as a foundation for future quantitative studies.