BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine whether the interval between visual field tests affects the ability to detect progressive glaucomatous field loss. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen retinal locations which were deteriorating significantly by > or = 1 dB/ year (untreated normal tension glaucoma patients: 6 eyes) were studied. Analysis was repeated using 'thinned' visual field tests: one test per year instead of the complete three per year over a period of 4 years. RESULTS: The 'thinned' tests identified only 45.4% of the deteriorating points over the 4-year period. Furthermore, there was a mean delay of 1.10 years in detection (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Less frequent visual field testing detects fewer progressing locations and detects them later.
BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine whether the interval between visual field tests affects the ability to detect progressive glaucomatous field loss. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen retinal locations which were deteriorating significantly by > or = 1 dB/ year (untreated normal tension glaucomapatients: 6 eyes) were studied. Analysis was repeated using 'thinned' visual field tests: one test per year instead of the complete three per year over a period of 4 years. RESULTS: The 'thinned' tests identified only 45.4% of the deteriorating points over the 4-year period. Furthermore, there was a mean delay of 1.10 years in detection (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Less frequent visual field testing detects fewer progressing locations and detects them later.
Authors: A C Viswanathan; D P Crabb; A I McNaught; M C Westcott; D Kamal; D F Garway-Heath; F W Fitzke; R A Hitchings Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2003-06 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: T Aung; F T S Oen; H-T Wong; Y-H Chan; B-K Khoo; Y-P Liu; C-L Ho; J See; L H Thean; A C Viswanathan; S K L Seah; P T K Chew Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2004-01 Impact factor: 4.638