Personal Computer-Based Visual Field Testing as an Alternative to Standard Automated Perimetry

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Neuro-ophthalmology

Background:

• Standard automated perimetry (SAP) is the gold standard for visual field assessment in neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
• Glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy, involves ganglion cell damage and visual field defects.
• Remote screening for visual field defects is advancing with computer/tablet-based software.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Specvis and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) visual field reports graphically.
• To assess the ease of use of Specvis compared to HFA.
• To compare the test duration between Specvis and HFA.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional validation study was conducted at a tertiary ophthalmology institute.
• 109 subjects (218 eyes) were divided into healthy and diseased groups.
• Specvis and HFA (VF 30-2 program) visual fields were compared graphically by three senior ophthalmologists using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• A male preponderance (58.72%) was observed. Advanced glaucoma was the most common disease (10.09%).
• HFA test duration averaged 213.33 seconds (SD=33.49), while Specvis averaged 267.36 seconds (SD=35.98).
• Significant positive correlation found between ophthalmologists' scores; significant negative correlation between ease of use and age for both HFA and Specvis.

Conclusions:

• Specvis demonstrates promising results for diagnosing and monitoring visual field defects.
• It serves as a cost-effective and accessible tool bridging basic visual field testing and SAP.
• Further validation and application of Specvis in clinical practice are warranted.