Abstract

Recently, several laboratories have introduced chromatic adaptation techniques to automated perimetry in an effort to isolate the activity of short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) mechanisms. ^1-6 In particular, short-wavelength sensitivity losses in the visual field have been reported to be more prevalent than deficits obtained with standard perimetry in ocular hypertensives and patients with early glaucomatous damage. ^1-4 In addition, we have found that short wavelength sensitivity losses appear to have both diffuse and localized components, ^1,3 that short wavelength sensitivity defects are generally larger in area than those found with standard automated perimetry,³ that there is partial but not complete overlap between short wavelength sensitivity losses and visual field defects with standard perimetry,³ and that short wavelength sensitivity losses in ocular hypertension and glaucoma display nerve fiber bundle patterns. ⁴ These results indicate that short wavelength sensitivity losses may be an early indicator of glaucomatous damage.

© 1991 Optical Society of America