Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of perimetry technique uses a moving target?

1. Kinetic

2. Static

3. Threshold

4. Contrast sensitivity

The correct answer is: Kinetic

The perimetry technique that uses a moving target is kinetic perimetry. In this method, a small light stimulus is moved across the visual field to determine the patient's ability to detect it. The clinician can observe the point at which the patient first perceives the light, which helps to establish the boundaries of the visual field. This dynamic approach is particularly useful in assessing peripheral vision and diagnosing conditions like glaucoma. In contrast, static perimetry assesses the patient’s visual field using stationary targets presented at various locations and intensities, meaning the target does not move. Threshold perimetry focuses on the minimal intensity of light needed for detection at specific points in the visual field rather than introducing motion. Lastly, contrast sensitivity tests evaluate how well a person can discern differences in shades or contrast between objects, which does not involve a moving target like kinetic perimetry does.