Temporal modulation perimetry: the effects of aging and eccentricity on sensitivity in normals.
OBJECTIVE
Temporal modulation perimetry (TMP) is a new test procedure designed to measure sensitivity to sinusoidal flickering stimuli throughout the central 27 degrees visual field. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of age and visual field eccentricity on temporal modulation sensitivity.


METHODS
In its present form, TMP is used to determine modulation sensitivity for three temporal frequencies (2, 8, and 16 Hz) at 45 visual field locations. Both eyes of 43 normal observers between 20 and 75 years of age were examined.


RESULTS
Our results indicate that sensitivity to all temporal frequencies tested showed a decline with age, particularly in the peripheral visual field. Furthermore, the age-related sensitivity loss was more pronounced for 16 Hz than for 2 or 8 Hz.


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate an age-related loss in temporal modulation sensitivity in the peripheral visual field. They also provide a baseline comparison standard for evaluation of clinical patient populations.
Casson
E J
EJ
University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa General Hospital, Canada.
Johnson
C A
CA
Nelson-Quigg
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005425:Flicker Fusion; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*