Learning effect for frequency doubling perimetry in patients with glaucoma

PURPOSE: We studied the results obtained by repeated frequency doubling perimetry in patients with glaucoma and demonstrated a learning effect. METHODS: 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. 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. CONCLUSION: A positive learning effect was found for frequency doubling perimetry in the first and second mean deviation results of patients with glaucoma. (Am J Ophthalmol 2002;133:269-270. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved).