Influence of refractive correction on peripheral visual field in static perimetry

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the influence of refractive errors on peripheral visual field thresholds in automated static perimetry. Methods: In 47 subjects (age 16–49 years), the difference of perimetric thresholds was tested in the peripheral visual field without and with contact lens correction, using a custom-made program (Goldmann stimulus size III) with the automated perimeter Octopus 2000 R. Refractive errors ranged from –16.75 to +12.5 diopters. Sixty-four test locations on three concentric rings between 30° and 50° in 19 hyperopic and 28 myopic eyes were tested. Results: All rings in myopic eyes revealed a significant influence of refraction on the differential light sensitivity in the peripheral visual field. In hyperopic eyes only the inner ring showed a significant influence of refraction. The decrease in sensitivity, measured in dB/diopter, for the myopic inner ring was 0.75; for the myopic middle ring it was 0.46; for the myopic outer ring it was 0.22; and for the hyperopic inner ring it was 0.40. Conclusions: A significant association between refractive errors and differential light sensitivity exists in the peripheral visual field of myopic eyes. Therefore, contact lens wear is recommended when performing automated perimetry of the peripheral visual field of myopic patients with higher refractive errors.