The influence of learning effect on frequency doubling technology perimetry (Matrix).
OBJECTIVE
To determine learning effect in healthy patients without perimetric experience, tested with the frequency doubling technology perimetry, with the new model Matrix.


METHODS
Frequency doubling technology in the 30-2 threshold mode was performed on 37 healthy subjects. Each subject was tested twice in different sessions. The test always began with the right eye (RE) and continued with the left eye (LE). To evaluate learning effect the results of the REs at the first session were compared with those of the LE. The following parameters were evaluated: foveal threshold (FT), reliability indexes, mean defect (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), glaucoma hemifield test (GHT), duration of examination.


RESULTS
At the first session the average values of RE were FT=30.81 db, MD=-1 db, PSD=3.01 db, and duration of the examination=383.27 "and of LE were FT=30.73, MD=-0.79 db, PSD=2.97 db, and duration of examination 382.62." At the second session the average values of RE were FT=32.22 db, MD=+0.16 db, PSD 2.75 db, and duration of examination=374.97 db. The reliability was different and the GHT between the RE and LE in the first and second session was also different.


CONCLUSIONS
A learning effect was observed between the first and the second sessions and the results of the GHT appeared improved. This above all should be taken into account when considering the clinical use of this test to avoid erroneous diagnostic conclusions.
Contestabile
Maria Teresa
MT
II School of Medicine University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Perdicchi
Andrea
A
Amodeo
Stefano
S
Recupero
Vincenzo
V
Recupero
Santi Maria
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000592:standards*; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*