Learning effect for frequency doubling perimetry in patients with glaucoma.

Abstract

We studied the results obtained by repeated frequency doubling perimetry in patients with glaucoma and demonstrated a learning effect. Prospective observational study. Thirty-three patients who had glaucoma and had never experienced frequency doubling perimetry participated in this study. The patients were examined by frequency doubling perimetry three times within 6 months. Mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and intraocular pressure at examination were compared among three results. On frequency doubling perimetry, the mean deviation results of the first, second, and third tests were -7.96 dB, -7.29 dB, and -7.36 dB, respectively. The first and second results and the first and third results were significantly different (P = 0.029 and P = 0.049, respectively). No significant differences with regard to pattern standard deviation and intraocular pressure were noted. A positive learning effect was found for frequency doubling perimetry in the first and second mean deviation results of patients with glaucoma.