Modified method for assessment of the binocular fusional field in patients with suppression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of a new system using a modified Goldmann perimeter and Bagolini striated glasses for quantitative assessment of the binocular fusional field (BFF) in patients with suppression.

METHODS

The BFF was assessed quantitatively in ten normal patients aged 10 to 15 years by using a modified Goldmann perimeter equipped with a xenon light source. Subjective perception was elicited with the use of a crossed or single oblique streak through Bagolini striated glasses. The BFF in 15 strabismic patients with suppression were analyzed at their initial visit and at their last visit after therapy.

RESULTS

In normal patients, extent points of the BFF on every 15 degrees meridian ranged from 48 degrees to 56 degrees . The normal BFF drawn from these average points was approximately equal to the previously published normal format of binocular single vision for strabismic patients with diplopia. Additionally, this scoring system for BFF provided quantitatively objective information during the course of their extraocular disorder in 15 strabismic patients with suppression.

CONCLUSION

This new method of assessing BFF in patients with suppression can be helpful for evaluation of quantitative effects in the course of treatment for an extraocular disorder and compensatory abnormal head position.