Kinetic perimetry (in the plateau region of the field) as a sensitive indicator of visual fatigue or saturation-like defects in retrobulbar anomalies

A series of patients with radiation damage has been studied. Retinal vascular changes shown by fluorescein angiography were accompanied by local alterations in the sustained- and transient-like functions. When no retinal manifestations were found, and in all cases where the optic nerve was involved, visual fatigue or saturation-like effects were noted which were revealed as reductions in sensitivity in time. These could be surprisingly subtle. Because of amplification effects, small reductions in sensitivity in time are readily revealed in the plateau region of the central kinetic field. In every instance these effects, once discovered, could be verified using flashing repeat static tests. Comparable results were obtained in all patients tested. (Auth.)