Subclinical visual field defects in multiple sclerosis

Summary Fourteen patients with definite but inactive multiple sclerosis (MS) and 17 normal controls were examined with the automated perimeter octopus. Most of the patients had subclinical visual field defects, typically consisting of patchy, shallow scotomata located mostly in an area of between 15° and 30° eccentricity. In 8 patients, more than 15% of the tested visual field of at least one eye was abnormal. The severity and extent of the defects was unrelated to a history of optic neuritis. When visually evoked potentials (VEPs) of these subjects were examined using a reversing pattern, no correlation was found in the MS patients between prolonged VEP latencies and the location, depth or extent of visual field defects. Since subclinical visual field defects may be found in MS patients with normal VEP latencies, automated perimetry can be helpful in diagnosing some cases.Supported in part by Geigy Jubilaeumsstiftung, Basel