New perimetric techniques: a comparison between rarebit and frequency doubling technology perimetry in normal subjects and glaucoma patients.

To compare rarebit microdot perimetry (RB) with frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry in normal subjects and a group of patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma, with age-matched controls. : Eighty-one subjects (age 17-88 years) were examined. Twenty-seven of these were patients, aged 50 to 88 years, with ocular hypertension or suspected/manifest glaucoma in at least one eye. All subjects were examined with the RB and FDT perimetry, using the standard procedures, recommended by the respective manufacturer. All patients were able to perform the RB perimetry, but three patients could not perceive the strongest FDT stimulus. The concordance in RB and FDT classifications as normal/outside normal limits was 96% (Cohen's kappa = 0.90). A curvilinear (quadratic) relationship (Rsq = 0.75) was found between RB hit rate and FDT MD. All patients, who could perform both examinations, preferred the RB perimetry. In the current study, the information from the RB and FDT perimetry was almost completely equivalent. However, RB perimetry was preferred by the patients and seemed to have a larger dynamic range than FDT. The RB hit rate is apparently a straightforward and efficient measure of visual field function. Show more