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Comparison between two fast threshold strategies: SPARK and SITA in normal subjects
Say Kiang Foo1, Robert Peter Cubbidge2, Rebekka Heitmar2
1SEGi University, Faculty of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 30, 2020
Summary
SPARK perimetry is a faster alternative to SITA Standard, offering similar visual field sensitivity profiles with reduced threshold variability. This new strategy may improve examination efficiency without compromising accuracy in normal subjects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Science
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Perimetry employs fast threshold strategies using maximum likelihood for threshold estimation.
- A novel strategy, SPARK, estimates thresholds from fewer points, reducing examination time.
- SPARK has not been previously compared to the established SITA strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the SPARK strategy with the SITA strategy in normal subjects.
- To evaluate the agreement in threshold estimates between SPARK and SITA.
- To assess the impact of SPARK on examination time and threshold variability.
Main Methods:
- 83 normal subjects underwent two visual field examinations.
- Each subject was tested with both SITA Standard and SPARK Precision on separate occasions.
- The order of strategy testing and the eye examined were randomized.
Main Results:
- SPARK Precision examinations were 33% faster than SITA Standard.
- A strong positive correlation was found between SITA Standard and SPARK Precision mean sensitivities (rho = 0.713, p < 0.001).
- SPARK demonstrated significantly lower variability in individual threshold estimates compared to SITA (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- SPARK provides a similar sensitivity profile to SITA but in a significantly shorter examination time.
- The reduced threshold variability with SPARK may be attributed to its data smoothing in threshold estimation.
- SPARK represents a promising, time-efficient alternative for visual field testing in clinical settings.
