Comparing the full-threshold and Swedish interactive thresholding algorithms for short-wavelength automated perimetry

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Visual Science

Background:

• Glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) diagnosis relies on visual field testing.
• Automated perimetry, including short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), is crucial for detecting vision loss.
• Comparing different perimetry algorithms is essential for optimizing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of the Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm (SITA) and the full-threshold (FT) strategy for SWAP.
• To evaluate diagnostic parameters and test duration between SWAP-SITA and SWAP-FT.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 286 patients with GON and 289 controls.
• Visual field testing using SWAP with both SITA and FT algorithms.
• Analysis of parameters like pattern standard deviation (PSD) and pattern deviation plot (PDP) points.
• Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to equate tests for specificity.

Main Results:

• Similar sensitivity and specificity between SWAP-SITA and SWAP-FT when using STATPAC PSD.
• SWAP-FT showed higher sensitivity for PDP <1% at 95% specificity.
• SWAP-SITA demonstrated a significantly shorter test duration.
• Severity assessment showed good correlation, with a slight bias for SWAP-SITA to indicate more severe loss.

Conclusions:

• Both SWAP-SITA and SWAP-FT exhibit comparable performance when specificity is matched.
• SWAP-SITA is a more efficient option due to its reduced test time.
• Confirming results by testing with both algorithms is recommended when transitioning from FT to SITA.