[Frequency doubling perimetry in diagnosis of early glaucomatous optic nerve fiber damage]

The comparative evaluation results of frequency doubling technology (FDT) in healthy subjects, in patients with glaucoma suspected and glaucoma, as well as analysis influences of selected risk factors onset, and progression of glaucoma (age, gender, intraocular pressure, refractive errors, circulation system disease, diabetes mellitus, vasospastic vascular disease) on FDT-parameters.

Sixty four patients (128 eyes), in age between 13-80, with refraction error from -14.5 to +6.5 D sph and average intraocular pressure 19.8 +/- SEM were included in this study. All patients were previously diagnosed towards glaucoma. The visual field testing with help of FDT Visual Field Instrument were made at least triple at all patients, with capitalize on the THR N-30 threshold program. Global indices: mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) and numerical value of mean retinal sensitivity for central visual field 5 degree sector (mean sensitivity to central 5 degrees--MS 5 degrees) come in comparative analysis. All data were analyzed by chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Comparative analysis examined groups of healthy persons, patients with glaucoma suspect and glaucoma, it proves statistically significant difference between MD, PSD and MS 5 degrees. Statistically no significant difference between PSD and MS 5 degrees at groups of healthy and glaucoma suspect patients was detected. In glaucoma group there did not reveal an influence on selected risk factors on FDT parameters. However, in glaucoma suspect group revealed an influence on most risk factors on perimetry parameters.

FDT is useful for detection of glaucomatous nerve fiber damage. There should be taken precautions of interpretation FDT results at glaucoma suspect patients.