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Abstract #5657 Published in IGR 2-1
Frequency doubling technology perimetry for the detection of glaucomatous visual field loss
Alward WLMAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology 2000; 129: 376-378
In an editorial, Wallace Alward discusses the potential of frequency doubling perimetry technology (FDT). There is a major emphasis on screening because of three articles reviewed in this editorial. Of course the author first discusses the point of sensitivity and specificity. It is well-known that sensitivity and specificity of tonometry are low. FDT can be used in a full threshold mode (duration, five minutes) or in suprathreshold mode (duration, 1.5 minutes). The test can be administered with a minimum of technical training and the stimulus is resistant to blur. The author cites three papers. One which presents a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96% for advanced glaucoma and a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 90% for early glaucoma. A second paper describes a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 93% for the whole group. For moderate to severe glaucoma, the sensitivity increased to 95%. The sensitivity and specificity are better for the threshold mode. This author concludes that FDT perimetry is an excellent tool for detecting patients with glaucoma. The test is particularly effective in detecting moderate to severe glaucoma. He feels that the test may also be used for following glaucomatous damage. He then continues to compare FDT with standard white on white perimetry. He briefly discusses the involvement of magnocellular Y cells in the early damage or function of glaucoma. FDT perimetry, as also tested in a 54-stimulus pattern, had a doubled test time. As usual, more studies, particularly long-term ones, are needed.
Dr. W.L.M. Alward, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
Classification:
6.6.3 Special methods (e.g. color, contrast, SWAP etc.) (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.6 Visual field examination and other visual function tests)
