Serial examination of the normal visual field using Octopus automated projection perimetry. Evidence for a learning effect.

The influence of prior perimetric experience on the magnitude of both differential sensitivity and the short and long term fluctuations remains unclear, and confounds accurate interpretation of visual field data obtained by computer-assisted perimetry. The purpose of the experiment was to identify and quantify any influence of training on the automated perimetric response. The full field of the right eye of 10 clinically normal, naive subjects was examined on 8 occasions with Octopus Program 21 (target size 3) on days 1-5 inclusive, 15, 16 and 44. Sensitivity increased with serial examination in 8 subjects. By dividing the field into zones, it was demonstrated that the learning effect was greatest in the superior field and for eccentricities beyond 30 degrees.