Purpose. To determine whether visual field defects can be detected by the m
ultifocal VEP technique.
Methods. Multifocal VEPs were elicited by a pseudorandom binary m-sequence
stimulus (VERIS II). The stimulus was a dartboard-like pattern of 61 sector
s, and the luminance of each sector alternated between white and black. The
stimulus area subtended approximately 25 degrees. Each recording was divid
ed into 8 equal segments, and the total recording time was about 4 min. Mul
tifocal VEPs were recorded from 25 normal subjects and six patients with vi
sual field loss. The responses summed within 4 quadrants were used in the a
nalysis and were compared with the visual fields obtained by perimetry.
Results. In six perimetrically-documented visual field defects, the respons
es summed over each quadrant of the field were reduced in the corresponding
affected quadrants. In addition, recovery of the visual field loss followi
ng treatment was accompanied by a recovery of the responses.
Conclusions. Multifocal VEPs summed within four quadrants can be used for a
n objective evaluation of the visual fields. The testing can be obtained in
4 min with no pain or discomfort to the patient.