Stimulus investigative range in the perimetry of retinitis pigmentosa: some preliminary findings

The manipulation of perimetric stimulus parameters over a given dynamic range has been reported to provide diagnostic information additional to that of changes in differential sensitivity. Preliminary studies (Flanagan et al., 1984a) have indicated that the perimetric response in retinitis pigmentosa behaves atypically over a range of stimulus combinations and strategies. The current study investigated the perimetric response of 17 retinitis pigmentosa patients of various genetic types over a range of stimulus parameters (target size, presentation time and background luminance) and test strategies (kinetic and threshold static) using the Octopus automated perimeter, the Goldmann and Tubinger bowl perimeters and the Dicon Autoperimeter 3000. Statokinetic dissociation was found to be present with large target sizes at 10 asb and 31.5 asb bowl luminances. Some patients demonstrated enhanced sensitivity to shorter stimulus presentations.