This new method, based on the use of MD and CPSD (or CLV) visual field indices, can instantly classify not only the stage of glaucomatous visual field damage, but also the type of defect (localized, generalized or mixed). This system was used to study glaucomatous visual field defects in 500 automated tests, performed with either Humphrey 30-2 or Octopus G1 threshold tests. The most common defects found were mixed, and purely local defects were very unusual, especially in advanced glaucoma.