Theoretical methods in the assessment of vision and automated perimetry.

An analytic understanding of automated perimetry requires an appreciation of the fundamental theories of vision and an understanding of the basic mathematical rudiments of signal processing theory. The theories of vision by Weber, Fechtner, and Stevens are evaluated and the mathematical bases of logarithmic, exponential, and power functions are considered as they relate to various models of visual functioning. Presenting perimetry results as actual, linear stimulus values, not theoretical, non-linear response values, could better allow clinicians to assess and examine the testing data directly to evaluate more correctly and accurately their patients' visual function.