Abstract
Purpose: :
It has been suggested that Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) may be less sensitive to visual field defects that respect the vertical midline (ARVO 2002). It is also important to know whether the Matrix is sensitive to bitemporal homonymous defects that may be due to parachiasmal and postchiasmal pathology.
Methods: :
A series of 17 patients at the University of Virginia being evaluated through the Pituitary Center were entered into a protocol to evaluate the sensitivity of Matrix FDT for detecting visual field pathology related to pituitary tumors. There were 12 men and 5 women. The average age was 55.
Results: :
Visual field patterns on the 24-2 SITA Fast program included bitemporal variations, arcuate defects, diffuse depression and normal. The Matrix program very closely paralleled the standard automated perimetry (SAP) in 15 of the 17 patients including 3 with normal automated static perimetry and normal Matrix. In one patient the density of the temporal defect was greater on the Matrix than SAP, and in another patient the Matrix demonstrated a bitemporal defect while the 24-2 demonstrated a temporal defect in one eye and a superior arcuate defect in the other.
Conclusions: :
FDT Matrix is able to detect bitemporal visual field defects affecting the midline secondary to pituitary tumors. While variability exists there seems to be an extremely close parallel between SAP and Matrix patterns in patients with parasellar lesions. Unlike the previous iteration of FDT, the Matrix seems to be very sensitive to the vertical midline.
Keywords: neuro-ophthalmology: diagnosis • visual fields • tumors