[Correlation between various methods of examination in glaucoma]

The authors investigated a group of 42 patients (84 eyes) with primary glaucoma of the open angle and with glaucoma of a low tension. In addition to the basic examination they applied in all patients fluorescent angiography focused on the papilla of the optic nerve, static computer threshold perimetry using a Humphrey Field Analyzer, strategy 30-2, examination of the colour sense (Farnsworth-Munsell 100 HUE test and the desaturated HUE test with computer analysis) and examination of contrast sensitivity by means of the Cambridge low contrast test. They describe the results in the initial stage of an at least 5-year study. In patients aged 41-50 years (n = 10) they found small paracentral scotomas in the visual field in 90% and arcuate scotomas in 10%, minor absolute defects of filling of the papilla in 85%, in 15% only relative defects. In patients aged 51-60 years (n = 15) they revealed acute scotomas in 73% and marked quadrant losses in 27%. Changes in the fluoroangiogram were more marked than in the former groups. In patients aged 61-71 years (n = 15) the changes were analogous. Defects of colour sense of the blue-yellow area were recorded in 63 eyes. Changes of the colour sense and absolute defects of filling in fluorescent angiography correlated with the degree and site of affection of the visual field and the patient's age in primary open angle glaucoma. Conversely, in glaucoma with normal tension the values of colour sense remained normal even when the visual field was affected.