Static perimetry appears reliable for measuring visual fields in young children

This cross-sectional study compared static and kinetic perimetry approaches for visual field testing in children with glaucoma.

Study design

The authors prospectively recruited children who were treated at 2 tertiary specialist pediatric ophthalmology centers in London, England. A total of 65 children (108 eyes) aged 5 to 15 years underwent perimetric assessments using Humphrey static perimetry (Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm 24-2 FAST) and Octopus combined static tendency-oriented perimetry/kinetic perimetry (isopter V4e, III4e or I4e) in a single sitting.

Outcomes

Test quality improved with increasing age for all approaches. Static perimetry appeared effective and appropriate when mean deviation (MD) was better than or equal to -6 dB and in children younger than 10 years. Far-peripheral kinetic perimetry was feasible and added value to assessment of older children, especially those with severe visual field restriction.

Limitations

The small sample size and use of SITA Fast are potential limitations of this study. Test order may have influenced the results.

Clinical significance

The findings show that perimetry may be used in pediatric patients to diagnose glaucoma and monitor disease progression. Physicians should consider age, disease severity and different strengths of static versus kinetic tests for monitoring visual fields in childhood glaucoma.