Normal Aging Characteristics of the Heidelberg Edge Perimeter

Abstract

Purpose: : To establish the range of normative data and the effects of aging on the Heidelberg Edge Perimeter (HEP; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).

Methods: : Six study sites recruited 400 normal volunteer subjects between the ages of 20 and 80 years. Each decade had a minimum of 50 subjects and gender was approximately 50:50 (<40:60) within each decade. All subjects went through standard baseline measurements and ocular health screening to ensure they met the normal criteria. Testing was performed over 3 study visits. Tests included HEP ASTA 24-2 (5^o), HFA SITAstd 24-2 (size III), HRT and digital fundus photography on both eyes, and HEP Full threshold 24-2 (5^o), SAP 24-2 (on HEP, size III) and HEP 10-3 (3^o) on one, randomly selected eye. HEP measurements were conducted using a prototype production device.

Results: : Confidence intervals were established for each stimulus location, and increased slightly with eccentricity. Sensitivity was significantly greater in the inferior hemifield, with the superior temporal quadrant giving the lowest sensitivity. The effect of age was best described using a second order polynomial with a relatively linear and shallow decrease between 20 and 60 years and a slightly steeper decrease between 60 and 80 years. There was no intraocular asymmetry. Test-retest characteristics were similar between the HEP ASTA 24-2 and HFA SITAstd 24-2 in this normal range.

Conclusions: : The distribution of normal data, and the effect of age, eccentricity and location are presented for the HEP, and are similar to that reported for other visual field devices. The normative database will permit the development of analytical tools for the HEP perimeter and the establishment of normal structure/function relationships with the HRT.

Keywords: perimetry • visual fields • aging: visual performance