What is Automated Static Threshold Perimetry?
Automated static threshold perimetry is a type of visual field test that measures the sensitivity of the visual field. It is a non-invasive test that is commonly used to detect and monitor visual field defects caused by various eye conditions, including glaucoma, optic nerve damage, retinal diseases, and neurological disorders.
What happens during Automated Static Threshold Perimetry?
During an automated static threshold perimetry test, the patient is seated in front of a computerized instrument called a perimeter. The perimeter consists of a dome-shaped bowl that is fitted with a projection system that displays light stimuli in various intensities and locations within the bowl. The patient is instructed to stare at a fixed point in the center of the bowl and to press a button when they see a flash of light.
The test starts by presenting a stimulus at a specific location in the visual field, with an intensity that is above the threshold of detection. The intensity is then decreased until the patient can no longer detect the stimulus. The test continues by presenting stimuli at different locations within the visual field, in a predetermined pattern, until the entire visual field has been tested.
The results of the automated static threshold perimetry test are recorded in a visual field map, which shows the patient's sensitivity to light stimuli at various locations within the visual field. The map is color-coded to indicate the level of sensitivity, with green representing normal sensitivity, yellow representing mildly reduced sensitivity, and red representing severely reduced sensitivity.
The visual field map is analyzed to detect any areas of reduced sensitivity or visual field defects, which can indicate the presence of eye or neurological conditions. The test can also be used to monitor the progression of visual field defects over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Overall, automated static threshold perimetry is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of various eye and neurological conditions that affect the visual field. It is a safe and reliable test that provides valuable information about the patient's visual function.
