Automated perimetry in retinitis pigmentosa using the Octopus program N1

Abstract

The use of automated perimetry in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has not become widespread. This is due to what is considered as a relative lack of automated programs designed to evaluate in the entire visual field both discrete abnormalities and pronounced defects, using a reasonably short procedure.

Three patients suffering from different forms of retinitis pigmentosa were evaluated by means of the new Octopus program N1. In two patients, visual fields were also evaluated by Goldmann kinetic perimetry. Automated perimetry demonstrated the characteristic pattern of the visual field defects of retinitis pigmentosa as satisfactorily as Goldmann perimetry. Moreover, it provided better analysis of the central visual field, revealing partially preserved areas which were missed by routine kinetic perimetry.

Evaluation with the Octopus program N1 required much less time than with regular 4-2-2 programs for automated perimetry, because of a unique combination of screening and quantified strategies. The collected data also emphasize the clinical value of examination programs assessing the visual field beyond the central 30 degrees, specially in the area of the temporal crescent.

Key Words:

• automated perimetry
• temporal crescent
• retinitis pigmentosa