Comparison of visual field defects using matrix perimetry and standard achromatic perimetry.
OBJECTIVE
To compare visual field (VF) defects found by Swedish interactive thresholding Algorithm (SITA) perimetry and Matrix perimetry, a new VF device that utilizes frequency doubling technology in a 24-2 test pattern.


METHODS
Prospective cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Fifty eyes from 50 subjects with SITA field defects were recruited for an observational study.


METHODS
Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm and Matrix VF testing were performed on patients from a glaucoma practice. To evaluate the learning effect on the performance of the VF, we tested subsets of each group who had previous experience with standard automated perimetry (SAP).


METHODS
Test duration, mean threshold, mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), glaucoma hemifield test, and number of abnormal points on the pattern deviation plot were evaluated for each device.


RESULTS
Test duration was significantly shorter for Matrix (SITA, 357.0+/-85.6 seconds; Matrix, 319.5+/-16.5 seconds; P = 0.0002, paired t-test). Thirty-six percent of eyes with SITA VF defects showed a normal Matrix field. In 30 of 32 eyes (94%) where both devices showed VF defects, the defects were congruent. Mean threshold value was significantly lower with Matrix compared to SITA (P<0.0001, paired t-test), as was MD (-5.34+/-5.42 dB, -4.14+/-5.29 dB, respectively; P = 0.03, paired t-test). There was no significant difference in PSD between the 2 devices (P = 0.78, paired t-test). Matrix delineated significantly smaller (P = 0.005, Wilcoxon's test) and deeper (P<0.001, Wilcoxon's test) defects than those found with SITA. Similar results were observed in the subgroups with prior SAP experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The Matrix examination did not detect 36% of abnormal SITA fields. Matrix field defects were smaller and deeper than those appearing in SITA perimetry.
Patel
Avni
A
UPMC Eye Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Wollstein
Gadi
G
Ishikawa
Hiroshi
H
Schuman
Joel S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D013997:Time Factors; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014794:Visual Fields; D014796:Visual Perception