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Abstract

A novel visual field test utilizing oscillating visual stimuli is proposed, which may be used to diagnose for eye disorders, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Such visual stimuli oscillate in color, polarity, saturation, luminance or intensity. Preferably, the visual test pattern consists of oscillating visual stimuli arranged in a pattern, such as a repeating or grid pattern, covering substantially all of the field of vision being tested. And, may include the use of frequency doubling visual stimuli. In use, the visual field test pattern is positioned in front of the patient so as to cover substantially all of the field of vision being tested, typically about a solid angle of 40.degree. or more. The eye under examination is fixated, and the patient asked to indicate areas where the oscillating visual stimuli are dissimilar, such as by outlining those areas different from the rest of the visual field test pattern. This procedure may be repeated for different contrast, saturation, or luminance levels, corresponding to varying degrees of visual sensitivity levels. Areas of dissimilarity correspond to visual field defects. The characteristic locations of the areas of dissimilarity for a particular sensitivity setting will allow clinicians not only to diagnose, but also to determine the severity of the eye disorder.

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