Eye-tracking biomarkers for glaucoma based on saccadic reaction time: a controlled clinical study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Glaucoma (GLA) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Early detection and monitoring are crucial for managing GLA.
• Novel eye-tracking devices offer potential for improved diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of saccadic reaction time (SRT) variables from the Bulbicam (BCAM) device.
• To differentiate early-to-moderate glaucoma (GLA) patients from healthy controls (HCs).
• To identify potential biomarkers for GLA using BCAM.

Main Methods:

• A controlled clinical study included 18 GLA patients and 18 age-matched HCs.
• Participants underwent BCAM's visual field (VF) test measuring SRT at 58 locations.
• Variables were analyzed for group differences, repeatability, and stability, with VF locations aggregated for biomarker evaluation.

Main Results:

• Significant SRT differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between GLA and HC in 44/58 locations (worst eye) and 42/58 (best eye).
• Eight clusters, all quadrants, and whole VF SRT mean/SD qualified as BCAM biomarkers due to significant differences, repeatability, and stability.
• 19 of 22 BCAM VF test variables showed potential as GLA biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Most SRT variables from BCAM can differentiate glaucomatous eyes from HCs.
• These variables demonstrate sufficient reliability and stability for clinical application in GLA diagnosis.
• BCAM shows promise as a tool for identifying GLA biomarkers.