Analytical and statistical survey of early stages of open-angle glaucoma with low luminance visual field

The purpose of this study was to show the early visual field signs in glaucoma using the 'Moniteur Ophtalmologique' at a background mesopic luminance of 0.3 apostilbs. Forty-five patients were selected, and 68 eyes with suspected early glaucoma were examined. Among the defects which were studied, we noticed a predominance of what we called pericaecal scotoma (PCS) and levelling. These two first signs appear as an alarm signal. To detect the early visual field signs of open-angle glaucoma developing, this study recommends the use of a background mesopic luminance of 0.3 apostilbs and observation for two uncommon visual field signs: PCS in evolution around the blind spot and a slight decrease in central mesopic sensitivity called levelling.