Appearance of the Frequency Doubling Stimulus in Normal Subjects and Patients with Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To determine whether the spatial structure of the frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry stimulus is visible at detection-contrast threshold in normal observers and those with glaucoma and to assess its perceived spatial frequency at threshold and suprathreshold contrast. METHODS: Three subject groups were assessed: 10 young normal observers (aged <40 years), 10 older normal observers (aged >50 years), and 10 subjects with glaucoma. Detection thresholds for centrally and eccentrically presented 10 degrees squares, 0.25-cyc/deg, 25-Hz counterphase flicker sine-wave gratings were obtained by using a yes-no staircase procedure. Eccentric locations were in areas of loss of FDT sensitivity (< or =21 degrees ) in subjects with glaucoma, or at 7 degrees or 21 degrees inferonasally in normal observers. Resolution-contrast thresholds were determined by a two-alternative, forced-choice staircase procedure in which subjects selected the orientation of the grating stimulus tilted at +/-45 degrees. Perceived spatial frequency was determined by having subjects alter the spatial frequency of a temporally interleaved stationary sine-wave grating to match the FDT stimulus. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between detection- and resolution-contrast thresholds, implying that spatial structure was visible at detection threshold. In general, subjects perceived the spatial structure to have a spatial frequency closer to doubled than to veridical, although the young normal subjects reported a lower apparent spatial frequency than older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: When instructed as for clinical testing, subjects respond to the presence of the structure of the grating, and perceive the FDT stimulus to have a spatial frequency greater than its true spatial frequency. These findings were consistent across both normal observers and those with glaucoma, at both central and eccentric test locations.