Comparison of different analytic algorithms for interpretation of the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Visual field testing
• Glaucoma diagnostics

Background:

• Automated perimetry algorithms aid in interpreting visual field test results.
• The Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) was developed to reduce testing time.
• Evaluating SITA's interpretation algorithms is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic performance of four analytic algorithms for SITA interpretation.
• To assess the accuracy of different criteria in identifying glaucomatous defects using SITA.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 143 SITA printouts from normal and glaucoma patients.
• Application of Caprioli's (strict, moderate, liberal) and Anderson's modified criteria for perimetric defect classification.
• Calculation of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, and specificity for each criterion.

Main Results:

• Caprioli's strict and Anderson's modified criteria showed comparable sensitivity (approx. 94%) and specificity (approx. 62%).
• Caprioli's liberal criteria offered higher sensitivity (98.9%) but lower specificity (42.5%).

Conclusions:

• Both Caprioli's and Anderson's modified criteria are suitable for interpreting SITA results.
• The choice of criteria may depend on the desired balance between sensitivity and specificity in glaucoma diagnosis.