Evaluating visual loss with multi-flash campimetry.

Multi-flash campimetry is a computer-implemented psychophysical technique that allows temporal resolution to be assessed in 120 points per eye in a half hour. It has previously been reported that the results can serve to distinguish between multiple sclerosis patients and control subjects. We have now used this technique to measure temporal resolution in patients with amblyopia, cataracts, optic neuritis or macular degeneration. Our results indicate that multi-flash campimetry is at least as sensitive to visual loss in patients with amblyopia or cataracts as visual acuity testing with the Snellen chart and kinetic visual field testing with the Goldmann perimeter. Further, multi-flash campimetry may be more sensitive than the other two techniques to subtle residual loss in patients who have had optic neuritis and to early loss in patients with macular degeneration.