Glaucoma follow-up when converting from long to short perimetric threshold tests

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Visual Sciences
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Glaucoma management relies on accurate visual field testing.
• Automated perimetry is crucial for monitoring glaucomatous changes.
• Test length can influence the reliability and interpretation of visual field results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of automated perimetry test length on glaucoma follow-up.
• To determine if shorter testing algorithms can be reliably used for interpreting results.
• To compare the Full Threshold and SITA Standard strategies in glaucomatous eyes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Humphrey 30-2 visual field tests in 31 glaucoma patients.
• Evaluation of data from both Full Threshold and SITA Standard strategies.
• Comparison of variability, mean deviation, and significance plot analyses between strategies.

Main Results:

• SITA Standard strategy demonstrated lower variability around mean deviation regression lines compared to Full Threshold.
• Mean deviation values were approximately 1 dB less severe with SITA Standard.
• No significant difference in the number of depressed points was found between strategies, despite deeper localized scotomas with Full Threshold.

Conclusions:

• The SITA Standard strategy exhibits test-retest consistency comparable to the Full Threshold strategy.
• Both strategies yield similar results when assessed against their normal significance limits.
• Establishing a new baseline is generally recommended when switching perimetric algorithms, but probability map comparisons can be useful.