A new behavioral visual field test for clinical use in pediatric neuro-ophthalmology

Abstract

Background: In order to obtain a method to assess the peripheral visual field of neurologically impaired children in a clinical setting, the arc perimeter was modified into a simple behavioral visual field test. This new test is based on a graded semicircular black metal arc with a white ball at the end. The arc is rotated by an examiner around the head of the subject in such a way that the white ball moves from the periphery towards the center of the visual field. Objective: Here we describe the device, the procedure, and its validation by testing healthy subjects. Methods: Sixty subjects (infants, children, and adults) were tested. Results: The success rate of the test ranged from 63% in infants to 100% in younger children. Normative and reference values for clinical application were derived from the data obtained. The extension of the monocular peripheral visual field increased progressively along each meridian with increasing age (p values for trend 0.0062, 0.0069, 0.0077 and 0.0058, respectively). Conclusion: This new test measures in a simple way behavioral reactions to a peripheral stimulus. Therefore, it may be useful for peripheral visual field assessment of neurologically impaired children who cannot be tested by standard or simplified perimetry techniques.