Peripheral Visual Fields in Children and Young Adults Using Semi-automated Kinetic Perimetry: Feasibility of Testing, Normative Data, and Repeatability

Abstract

Normative visual field area, feasibility and repeatability using (Octopus) semi-automated kinetic perimetry are reported in 221 healthy volunteers aged 5–22 years. I4e and I2e stimuli assessed the visual field at 5°/second (°/s) or 3°/s. Blind spot was assessed with I2e at 2°/s. Reliable visual fields were plotted in 23% of participants <10 years, 64% of 10–12-year-olds, and 98% aged 13–22 years. Visual field areas were unchanged with age using 5°/s, but increased using 3°/s for I2e (p = 0.028). Blind spot area was unchanged with age. Reaction times reduced with age (p < 0.004). There was no learning effect. A test speed of 5°/s is recommended.

• Feasibility
• normative peripheral vision
• repeatability
• semi-automated kinetic perimetry
• visual development

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the staff and students at Brunswick Community Primary School, Dobcroft Infant School, and Tapton Secondary School and to children and parents from Greystones Primary School who came to The University of Sheffield to participate. We kindly thank Orthoptists Clare Hockley and Nana Theodorou for help in data collection, and The University of Sheffield Estates Team for all their help in transporting the Octopus between schools. The authors have no financial, commercial, or propriety interests in the equipment used.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.