B Hohberger1, S Mißlinger2, F Horn2, J Kremers3. 1. Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland. bettina.hohberger@uk-erlangen.de. 2. Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland. 3. School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Functional tests in glaucoma diagnosis can monitor a potential perimetric progression. However white-on-white perimetry is limited in advanced glaucoma, whereas contrasts were detected reproducibly. Especially when stressing (i. e. adapting) the visual system, subsequent measurements yielded different results-the visual system needs a "recovery time". In the present study the recovery time was investigated in patients with advanced glaucoma. Additionally correlation analysis was done with standard perimetric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) and recovery time (RT) were measured using the Erlanger Flicker Test in 61 probands (15 normals, 25 primary open-angle glaucomas, 17 secondary open-angle glaucomas, 4 narrow-angle glaucoma). Additionally, ophthalmological examinations and perimetry (Octopus G1) was done. RESULTS: (1) TCS was significantly reduced in patients with advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (2) Test stimuli with 3 and 5 % contrast showed a large variability in contrast to higher contrasts (12 %, 25 %, 35 %). (3) RT12%, RT25% and RT35% were significantly prolonged in advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (4) RT25% correlated significantly with mean defect (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Recovery time seems to be a potential parameter in advanced glaucoma follow-up, as it is reproducible, independently of cataract and fixation.
BACKGROUND: Functional tests in glaucoma diagnosis can monitor a potential perimetric progression. However white-on-white perimetry is limited in advanced glaucoma, whereas contrasts were detected reproducibly. Especially when stressing (i. e. adapting) the visual system, subsequent measurements yielded different results-the visual system needs a "recovery time". In the present study the recovery time was investigated in patients with advanced glaucoma. Additionally correlation analysis was done with standard perimetric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) and recovery time (RT) were measured using the Erlanger Flicker Test in 61 probands (15 normals, 25 primary open-angle glaucomas, 17 secondary open-angle glaucomas, 4 narrow-angle glaucoma). Additionally, ophthalmological examinations and perimetry (Octopus G1) was done. RESULTS: (1) TCS was significantly reduced in patients with advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (2) Test stimuli with 3 and 5 % contrast showed a large variability in contrast to higher contrasts (12 %, 25 %, 35 %). (3) RT12%, RT25% and RT35% were significantly prolonged in advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (4) RT25% correlated significantly with mean defect (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Recovery time seems to be a potential parameter in advanced glaucoma follow-up, as it is reproducible, independently of cataract and fixation.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adaptation; Advanced glaucoma; Contrast; Contrast sensitivity; Perimetry; Recovery time
Authors: Folkert K Horn; Georg Michelson; Eckbert Schnitzler; Christian Y Mardin; Matthias Korth; Anselm G Jünemann Journal: J Glaucoma Date: 2006-02 Impact factor: 2.503