A NEW BEHAVIORAL VISUAL-FIELD TEST FOR CLINICAL USE IN PEDIATRIC NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY

Background: In order to obtain a method to assess the peripheral visua l field of neurologically impaired children in a clinical setting, the are perimeter was modified into a simple behavioral visual field test . This new test is based on a graded semicircular black metal are with a white ball at the end. The are is rotated by an examiner around the head of the subject in such a way that the white ball moves from the periphery towards the center of the visual field. Objective: Here we d escribe the device, the procedure, and its validation by testing healt hy subjects. Methods: Sixty subjects (infants, children, and adults) w ere tested. Results: The success rate of the test ranged from 63% in i nfants to 100% in younger children. Normative and reference values for clinical application were derived from the data obtained. The extensi on of the monocular peripheral visual field increased progressively al ong each meridian with increasing age (p values for trend 0.0062, 0.00 69, 0.0077 and 0.0058, respectively). Conclusion: This new test measur es in a simple way behavioral reactions to a peripheral stimulus. Ther efore, it may be useful for peripheral visual field assessment of neur ologically impaired children who cannot be tested by standard or simpl ified perimetry techniques.