Automated perimetry: a study of the glaucoma hemifield test for the detection of early glaucomatous visual field loss.

SUMMARY: In order to verify the ability of the Glaucoma Hemifield Test in detecting early glaucomatous alterations, as well as its sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, 78 glaucoma patients, glaucoma suspects, and normals were selected. In those eyes who presented alterations of the optic disc suggestive of glaucomatous damage, but with no typical lesions in the visual field, the test was positive in 18.4% of the cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the test were 100, 100, and 83.3%, respectively.