Comparison of Three Visual Field Tests in Children: Frequency Doubling Test, 24-2 and 30-2 SITA Perimetry

ABSTRACT

Background: To investigate the reliability of FDT and 24-2 and 30-2 Humphrey perimetry in children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records corresponding to 274 eyes of children aged 6–12 years, who underwent FDT and 30-2 and 24-2 Humphrey visual field testing from January 2011 through March 2013. Each test group was divided into two subgroups: a normal visual acuity subgroup (> 0.8 Snellen, group 1) and a low visual acuity subgroup (≤0.8 Snellen, group 2). Reliability indexes such as fixation losses, test duration, and the number and rate of false-positive errors were analyzed. Results: In both subgroups, test duration was shortest for 24-2 perimetry (group 1: p < 0.0001; group 2: p < 0.0001). FDT was associated with lower rates of fixation loss, false positive errors, and false negative errors than 30-2 perimetry. However, the fixation loss rate of FDT was only significantly lower under the subgroup analysis. The normal visual acuity subgroup had a higher MD score on FDT vs. 30-2 perimetry (P = 0.028). However, the PSD was similar for all tests. Conclusion: This reliability study showed that FDT perimetry is superior to 30-2 SITA perimetry. There was no significant difference in the reliability indexes for FDT and 24-2 SITA perimetry; thus, when considering test duration and reliability, 24-2 SITA perimetry appears to be the optimal choice in pediatric patients.

Keywords:

• Frequency doubling technology (FDT)
• reliability indexes
• Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA)
• visual field test

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.