Reliability Indexes of Automated Perimetric Tests

ABSTRACT

The "reliability" of a subject's automated perimetric result is generally assessed by three measures: fixation loss, false positive and false negative rates. These reliability indicies were examined for 237 glaucomatous and ocular hypertensive eyes who for the first time underwent visual field testing (central 30-2 test on Humphrey visual field analyzer. Allergan Humphrey). Of the examination results, 11% of subjects were considered unreliable with the use of the manufacturer's reliability criteria. 71% of the unreliable results were due to failure to meet the criterion for fixation loss. The rest 29% were due to high false negative rates. After given reinstruction and more attention to fixation loss throughout the test by the technician, second visual field test was performed. On second examination, 82% of fixation loss and 71% of false negative rate was reduced.