We are frequently asked questions about the ForeseeHome device, how it works, and why it works the way it does. There are so many great questions that our Medical Directors will answer them in this newsletter series.
Why do I sometimes get as many as 70 lines in one eye before the test ends?
That can depend on how you are testing, for instance if you have skipped lines that have waves on them in certain areas they can come back around later in the test. Also, the macula is tested with 500 data points 3 to 5 times each so that can vary.
Why are lines sometimes vertical and sometimes horizontal?
The presentation of lines can be random so expect to possibly have both types of lines presented. This helps to have the lines flash in different areas of the visual field.
Why are some of the lines broken up and squiggly and not just a bump or wave?
Some patients may have distortions in their vision that may be perceived as breaks in the lines or missing areas from the lines. The lines generated by the test have a defined bump or wave. This bump/wave is the intended stimulus for you to click on. If you see other variations while testing like the ones described, try to the best of your ability to disregard and do not click.
Where do I click when I see two waves/bumps in the line?
If there are two bumps or waves on the line, click both locations one right after the other. If that is too difficult, you may also click on the more dominant or larger bump/wave.
Why must there be so many things to click so fast?
The brief presentation ensures that cortical completion is not engaged, and that fixation is maintained during the entire presentation of each stimulus. It is done so fast, so your brain doesn’t have time to figure out the missing information. Patients are in control of the pace of the test since you need to move the cursor back to the center dot to initiate a new line to be displayed. There’s no need to rush back to the center dot to elicit the next stimulus to be displayed. You can move back to the center dot each time at your own pace.
I often see gaps in the lines as opposed to the bends in the lines, occasionally on the same line. Should I click those?
Some patients may have distortions in their vision that may be perceived as breaks in the lines or missing areas missing from the lines. The lines generated by the test have a defined bump or wave. This bump/wave is the intended stimulus for you to click on. If you see other variations while testing like the ones described, try to the best of your ability to disregard, and do not click on.
Sometimes the whole line seems to have several waves or is so distorted I can’t pick out the real bump - is this normal for AMD?
Your distortion in the back of the eye can cause you to see these types of things with testing.
I am still confused as to whether I should click on any distortion on the dashes, or only the ones that look like half circles. What about the ones that look like quarter circles?
Some patients may have distortions in their vision that may be perceived as breaks in the lines or missing areas missing from the lines. The lines generated by the test have a defined bump or wave. This bump/wave is the intended stimulus for you to click on. If you see other variations while testing like the ones described, try to the best of your ability to disregard and do not click.
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