Short-wavelength automated perimetry in type I diabetic patients without retinal involvement: a test modification to...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetology
• Visual Science

Background:

• Type I diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease with potential ocular complications.
• Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
• Early detection of visual field changes can aid in managing diabetic eye disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) results between type I diabetic patients and nondiabetic controls.
• To assess if SWAP abnormalities precede clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy.
• To evaluate the impact of omitting central visual field points on SWAP results.

Main Methods:

• SWAP perimetry was performed on 40 eyes of type I diabetic patients and 34 eyes of nondiabetic controls.
• A comprehensive ophthalmic examination was conducted for all participants.
• SWAP data, both complete and corrected (omitting central 16 points), were analyzed and compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients showed statistically significant differences in mean deviation (MD) compared to controls (-6.51 dB vs. -3.0 dB).
• Mean corrected sensitivity and mean corrected total deviation were significantly lower in diabetic patients.
• No statistically significant difference was found in mean corrected pattern deviation between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Visual field abnormalities detected by SWAP occur before the development of diabetic retinopathy in type I diabetes.
• The omission of the central 16 points in SWAP testing does not compromise the diagnostic value for this patient group.