Clinical alternative for reducing the time needed to perform automated threshold perimetry

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Automated threshold perimetry is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring open-angle glaucoma.
• Prolonged testing times and patient fixation difficulties can compromise test reliability.
• This study investigates methods to reduce perimetric testing duration while minimizing clinical impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore alternative methods for automated threshold perimetry to reduce testing time.
• To minimize the clinical impact of abbreviated perimetric tests.
• To assess the reliability of modified, shorter perimetric tests.

Main Methods:

• Central automated threshold perimetry tests were conducted on a normal individual using a Humphrey Field Analyzer.
• The 24-2 and 30-2 test patterns were performed using standard, FastPac, and modified formats.
• Test duration and changes in global indices were monitored for each test version.

Main Results:

• The standard 30-2 automated threshold test took approximately 13 minutes.
• A modified 24-2 central threshold test, excluding specific monitors, was completed in about 5 minutes.
• Modifications aimed to reduce testing time without significantly altering global indices.

Conclusions:

• Methods exist to reduce perimetric testing time without substantial compromise to diagnostic information reliability.
• Shorter tests may yield reliable fields for patients unable to complete longer tests.
• Clinicians must weigh the trade-offs between reduced testing time and potential data loss for clinical decision-making.