When a patient clicks a button on the FDT without a stimulus presented, this is referred to as?

When a patient clicks a button on the frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimeter without an actual stimulus being presented, this action is classified as a false positive response. In visual field testing, a false positive occurs when a patient indicates they have seen a stimulus when, in fact, none was presented. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as misunderstandings about the test or the desire to cooperate with the examiner.

The false positive rate in visual field testing is an important metric because it can indicate issues with the patient's attention, comprehension of the test instructions, or even psychological factors affecting their response. Reducing false positives is crucial for ensuring the test results accurately reflect the patient's visual function, allowing for better patient management and treatment decisions.

True negative refers to a situation where the patient correctly identifies a lack of stimulus. True positive indicates that the patient correctly perceives the stimulus when it is presented. False negative happens when a stimulus is presented, but the patient fails to acknowledge seeing it. Understanding these terms helps in correctly interpreting visual field test results.