Is visual field evaluation using multiple correlations and linear regressions useful? An evaluation of Delphi...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Delphi perimetry is a visual field examination method.
• It estimates the visual field by testing four critical points in the central visual field.
• This study evaluated Delphi perimetry for detecting glaucomatous field loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Delphi perimetry in detecting glaucomatous visual field loss.
• To compare Delphi perimetry results with Humphrey visual field analysis (HVFA).

Main Methods:

• Patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension underwent both Delphi perimetry and Humphrey visual field analysis (HVFA) program 24-2.
• Visual field results from both methods were compared.

Main Results:

• Delphi perimetry demonstrated a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 91% for detecting glaucomatous defects.
• However, it had a qualitative sensitivity of 48.8% and specificity of 72% in accurately representing defect location, extent, and depth.
• Commonly missed defects included paracentral scotoma and nasal step.

Conclusions:

• Delphi perimetry failed to provide an accurate statistical estimation of the visual field in a significant number of cases.
• The technique's limitations in accuracy and qualitative representation make it unsuitable for clinical use in detecting glaucomatous field loss.