Evaluation of Visual Fields by Ophthalmologists and by OCTOSMART Program

Abstract

The introduction of Goldmann perimetry standardized measuring conditions as much as possible. In spite of this, it had been possible for the perimetrist to influence the results of perimeter measurements. The introduction of computer-controlled perimetry, however, has largely eliminated the influence of the investigator on perimetry results. Nevertheless, the interpretation of a perimetric result in the everyday clinical situation is still extensively subjectively coloured and is liable to vary, depending on the doctor carrying it out. The OCTOPUS Programm G1 was introduced a few years ago and used above all for glaucoma. This program greatly simplified visual field assessement thanks to its visual field indices. The indices make it possible to compare visual field results with those of a normal population. The present introduction of the OCTOSMART program represents a further step forward. This program analyses measured visual fields with the aid of standardized, statistical criteria based on a large, normal value study. This analysis standardizes and thereby simplifies the interpretation of visual field results. This study compares the outcome of the OCTOSMART program with visual field interpretations by eye doctors.

Computer-Assisted Interpretation of Resolution Visual Fields from Patients with Chiasmal and Retrochiasmal Lesions

“…They found that agreement be tween two perimetry experts did not occur more than in some 40% of test cases when exact match of the diagnosis estimated as most likely was required, and in 80% when at least one out of three suggested diagnoses was re quired to match. Similar findings are reported in other studies [12,13,18]. Thus, there is a considerable disagreement between clinical observers regarding the interpretation of vi sual fields, underlining the need for more for mal methods.…”

“…Interpretation of perimetric results is a complex procedure which must be performed in several steps [13], and the final diagnostic decision should always take more factors into account than visual field findings. Some gen eral aspects of automated visual field interpre tation have been discussed by Shapiro and Johnson [17].…”

Octopus Program G1X

“…Visual field indices and the Bebie curve can be printed [7]. Furthermore, program Octosmart [8,9] can be applied, providing com ments on the outcome of the measurement.…”

A comparison of unweighted and fluctuation-weighted indices (within the central 28� of glaucomatous visual fields measured with the Octopus automated perimeter)

“…Their definitions can be found in reference 4. All four have been incorporated into the Octopus G1 glaucoma program [5] as well as the OCTOSMART visual field evaluation aid program [2,[13][14][15].…”