Ability of 24-2C and 24-2 Grids to Identify Central Visual Field Defects and Structure-Function Concordance in Glaucoma and Suspects

Comparative Analysis of 24-2C, 24-2, and 10-2 Visual Field Tests for Detecting Mild-Stage Glaucoma With Central Visual field Defects

PURPOSE

This study sought to identify the most effective testing program for detecting visual-field defects in mild-stage glaucoma with central visual-field defects.

DESIGN

A multicenter, retrospective diagnostic testing evaluation.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 93 eyes (83 patients) with mild-stage glaucoma (median mean deviation [interquartile range]: -1.79 [2.16] dB) with central visual-field defects and 69 eyes (63 patients; median mean deviation, -1.38 [2.31] dB) with mild-stage glaucoma without central visual-field defects, from Jikei University School of Medicine and Tajimi Iwase Eye Clinic.

METHODS

Patients underwent 10-2 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) Standard, 24-2 SITA Standard, and 24-2C SITA Faster tests. Central visual-field defects were defined using 10-2 SITA Standard and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A detection power of 4 points in the 24-2 that coincided with 10-2 (Center4), 12 points that lie within 10° (24-2-12), and 22 points that lie within 10° of 24-2C (24-2C-22) were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves based on logistic regression analysis, using total deviation (TD) and pattern deviation (PD) probability plots.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the Center4, 24-2-12, and 24-2C-22 tests.

RESULTS

In the upper-central visual field, AUCs of the TD plot were 0.50 (0.40-0.58) for the Center4, 0.75 (0.67-0.83) for 24-2-12, and 0.85 (0.78-0.91) for 24-2C-22, with 24-2C-22 AUC significantly exceeding 24-2-12 AUC. For the PD plot, AUCs were 0.53 (0.44-0.63), 0.81 (0.74-0.89), and 0.84 (0.77-0.90), respectively. In the lower-central visual field, using a total plot, AUCs were 0.27 (0.18-0.36), 0.57 (0.47-0.69), and 0.57 (0.46-0.68) for the Center4, 24-2-12, and 24-2C-22, respectively. Using the PD plot in the upper field, AUCs were 0.27 (0.19-0.36), 0.64 (0.53-0.75), and 0.81 (0.72-0.90), respectively, with the AUC of the 24-2C-22 significantly exceeding that of 24-2-12. The 24-2C test was significantly faster than both the 24-2 and 10-2 tests, reducing testing duration by 46% and 52%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 24-2C SITA Faster test is highly effective and efficient for detecting mild-stage glaucoma with central visual-field defects. This, and its reduced duration, makes it a valuable tool in clinical settings.

Which glaucoma patients benefit from 10-2 visual field testing? Proposing the functional vulnerability zone framework

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A method for determining 10-2 deployment in glaucoma with the goal of detecting additional visual field sensitivity for the purpose of functional monitoring is proposed.

BACKGROUND

To provide a pilot method for determining when to deploy the 10-2 visual field (VF) test grid in glaucoma by characterising the 'functional vulnerability zone'.

METHODS

The cross-sectional 24-2 (central 12 locations) and 10-2 VF results from 133 eyes of 133 glaucoma subjects were used to describe the central Hill of Vision using VF sensitivity. The 'volume' (defined using arbitrary units, A.U.) under the Hill was calculated. A greater A.U. on the 10-2 indicated a functional vulnerability zone (FVZ), signifying additional clinical dynamic range for potential future monitoring. The main outcome measures were calculated A.U. and 24-2 factors which were significantly related to A.U. differences between 24-2 and 10-2.

RESULTS

Over 55% of patients had an FVZ (A.U. greater using 10-2). Several 24-2 features (worse mean deviation, worse central 24-2 mean defect, and a higher proportion of defective locations) were significant in the FVZ cohort compared to non-FVZ. 24-2 mean deviation levels at which 10-2 may be favoured were low at -3.16 to -3.62 dB. Specifically, 5 or more defective central 24-2 test locations were associated with an FVZ. Subjects exhibiting a less severe defect on the 10-2 were more likely to have an FVZ, indicating its potential for future VF monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors propose several clinical markers, focussing on the 24-2, which can guide clinicians on when the 10-2 may have utility in glaucoma assessment. The authors provide a pilot reference spreadsheet for clinicians to visualise the likelihood of 10-2 utility in the context of an FVZ.

Frontloading visual field tests detect earlier mean deviation progression when applied to real-world-derived early-stage glaucoma data

PURPOSE

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of performing two (frontloaded) versus one (clinical standard) visual field (VF) test per visit for detecting the progression of early glaucoma in data derived from clinical populations.

METHODS

A computer simulation model was used to follow the VFs of 10,000 glaucoma patients (derived from two cohorts: Heijl et al., Swedish cohort; and Chauhan et al., Canadian Glaucoma Study [CGS]) over a 10-year period to identify patients whose mean deviation (MD) progression was detected. Core data (baseline MD and progression rates) were extracted from two studies in clinical cohorts of glaucoma, which were modulated using SITA-Faster variability characteristics from previous work. Additional variables included follow-up intervals (six-monthly or yearly) and rates of perimetric data loss for any reason (0%, 15% and 30%). The main outcome measures were the proportions of progressors detected.

RESULTS

When the Swedish cohort was reviewed six-monthly, the frontloaded strategy detected more progressors compared to the non-frontloaded method up to years 8, 9 and 10 of follow-up for 0%, 15% and 30% data loss conditions. The time required to detect 50% of cases was 1.0-1.5 years less for frontloading compared to non-frontloading. At 4 years, frontloading increased detection by 26.7%, 28.7% and 32.4% for 0%, 15% and 30% data loss conditions, respectively. Where both techniques detected progression, frontloading detected progressors earlier compared to the non-frontloaded strategy (78.5%-81.5% and by 1.0-1.3 years when reviewed six-monthly; 81%-82.9% and by 1.2-2.1 years when reviewed yearly). Accordingly, these patients had less severe MD scores (six-monthly review: 0.63-1.67 dB 'saved'; yearly review: 1.10-2.87 dB). The differences increased with higher rates of data loss. Similar tendencies were noted when applied to the CGS cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontloaded VFs applied to clinical distributions of MD and progression led to earlier detection of early glaucoma progression.

Structure-function relationship of reading performance in patients with early to moderate glaucoma

PURPOSE

To assess reading performance in patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and to determine the relationship between reading ability and visual field (VF), microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters.

METHODS

Reading performance of 30 POAG patients examined by the Minnesota Reading Acuity Chart (MNREAD) was compared to that of 21 age-matched controls collected from Ankara University in Turkey. Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 SITA Standard and 10-2 patterns, and microperimetry were used for VF measurements. All subjects underwent OCT analysis for retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), optic nerve head (ONH) measurements, and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPLT). The linear relationship between reading parameters and VF, microperimetry, and OCT parameters was investigated. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for glaucoma.

RESULTS

In POAG patients, maximum reading speed (MRS) had a significant association with average rim area, mean cup-to-disc ratio (CDR), and cup volume (p < 0.05, for all). Decreased MRS was associated with thinner average GCIPLT and inferotemporal, superior, and inferior GCIPLT quadrants (p < 0.05, for all). Global index values for the HFA 24-2/10-2 tests, microperimetry, and ONH/RNFLT parameters had no correlation with reading performance. After accounting for the better and worse eyes, gender, education, age, and visual acuity of the glaucoma patients, MRS score was 23 units lower in the worse eye (p = 0.009), critical print size (CPS) was 0.21 units larger in the better eye (p = 0.03) and 0.25 units larger in the worse eye (p < 0.001), reading accesibility index (ACC) was 0.11 units lower in the better eye (p = 0.02) and 0.13 units lower in the worse eye (p = 0.002), and RA was 0.13 units higher in the worse eye (p = 0.003) of POAG patients.

CONCLUSION

POAG had significantly lower reading performance when compared to healthy subjects. Reading speed was associated with decreased macular GCIPLT indicating that reading performance may be affected in the earlier stages of the disease.

Central Visual Field Testing in Early Glaucoma: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current published literature on the utility of the 10-2 visual field (VF) testing strategy for the evaluation and management of early glaucoma, defined here as mean deviation (MD) better than -6 decibels (dB).

METHODS

A search of the peer-reviewed literature was last conducted in June 2023 in the PubMed database. Abstracts of 986 articles were examined to exclude reviews and non-English-language articles. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 26 articles were selected, and the panel methodologist rated them for strength of evidence. Thirteen articles were rated level I, and 8 articles were rated level II. The 5 level III articles were excluded. Data from the 21 included articles were abstracted and reviewed.

RESULTS

The central 12 locations on the 24-2 VF test grid lie within the central 10 degrees covered by the 10-2 VF test. In early glaucoma, defects detected within the central 10 degrees generally agree between the 2 tests. Defects within the central 10 degrees of the 24-2 VF test can predict defects on the 10-2 VF test, although the 24-2 may miss defects detected on the 10-2 VF test. In addition, results from the 10-2 VF test show better association with findings from OCT scans of the macular ganglion cell complex. Modifications of the 24-2 test that include extra test locations within the central 10 degrees improve detection of central defects found on 10-2 VF testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence to date does not support routine testing using 10-2 VF for patients with early glaucoma. However, early 10-2 VF testing may provide sufficient additional information for some patients, particularly those with a repeatable defect within the central 12 locations of the standard 24-2 VF test or who have inner retinal layer thinning on OCT scans of the macula.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Visualising structural and functional characteristics distinguishing between newly diagnosed high-tension and low-tension glaucoma patients

PURPOSE

To determine whether there are quantifiable structural or functional differences that can distinguish between high-tension glaucoma (HTG; intraocular pressure [IOP] > 21 mm Hg) and low-tension glaucoma (LTG; IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg) at diagnosis.

METHOD

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Clinical results of one eye from 90 newly diagnosed HTG and 319 newly diagnosed LTG patients (117 with very-low-tension glaucoma [vLTG; ≤15 mm Hg] and 202 with middling LTG [mLTG; >15 mm Hg, ≤21 mm Hg]) were extracted, which included relevant demographic covariates of glaucoma, quantitative optical coherence tomography (including the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer) measurements and standard automated perimetry global metrics. We used binary logistic regression analysis to identify statistically significant clinical parameters distinguishing between phenotypic groups for inclusion in principal component (PC) (factor) analysis (PCA). The separability between each centroid for each cohort was calculated using the Euclidean distance (d(x,y)).

RESULTS

The binary logistic regression comparing HTG and all LTG identified eight statistically significant clinical parameters. Subsequent PCA results included three PCs with an eigenvalue >1. PCs 1 and 2 accounted for 21.2% and 20.2% of the model, respectively, with a d(x,y) = 0.468, indicating low separability between HTG and LTG. The analysis comparing vLTG, mLTG and HTG identified 15 significant clinical parameters, which were subsequently grouped into five PCs. PCs 1 and 2 accounted for 24.1% and 17.8%, respectively. The largest separation was observed between vLTG and HTG (d(x,y) = 0.581), followed by vLTG and mLTG (d(x,y) = 0.435) and lastly mLTG and HTG (d(x,y) = 0.210).

CONCLUSION

Conventional quantitative structural or functional parameters could not distinguish between pressure-defined glaucoma phenotypes at the point of diagnosis and are therefore not contributory to separating cohorts. The overlap in findings highlights the heterogeneity of the primary open-angle glaucoma clinical presentations among pressure-defined groups at the cohort level.

Comparing Static Perimetry Protocols of Central Field Testing among Patients with Glaucoma

SIGNIFICANCE

On comparing the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2C Faster, which tests 10 additional points in the central field, with the 24-2 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) Standard for detecting central field defects, we found that the HFA 24-2C Faster may be used for the initial field evaluation in glaucoma with the advantage of a shorter testing time.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the HFA 24-2C Faster with the 24-2 SITA Standard and 10-2 among patients with glaucoma for the number of defective central points, global indices, and testing time.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients with glaucoma and glaucomatous visual field defects on the 24-2 SITA Standard algorithm underwent the 24-2C Faster and 10-2 field tests. The number of central points detected, global indices, and reliability indices were compared between the 24-2C Faster and the 24-2 SITA Standard and 10-2 field tests.

RESULTS

The 24-2C Faster, on average, detected 5.5 defective points more on the total deviation plot and 2 defective points more on the pattern deviation plot than the 24-2 SITA Standard in central 10°. The 10-2 algorithm detected 2.5 times more points on the total deviation plot than the 24-2C Faster. There was excellent consistency by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 for the mean deviation and 0.93 for the pattern standard deviation between the 24-2C Faster and the 24-2 SITA Standard. There was good consistency by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.80 for both mean deviation and pattern standard deviation between the 24-2C Faster and the 10-2. The testing time was significantly lower with the 24-2C Faster compared with the 24-2 SITA Standard and 10-2 test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the HFA 24-2C Faster may be used for the initial evaluation of the visual field in glaucoma with the added advantage of a shorter testing time compared with the 24-2 SITA Standard program.

Visual fields in glaucoma: Where are we now?

Visual fields are an integral part of glaucoma diagnosis and management. COVID has heightened the awareness of the potential for viral spread with the practice of visual fields modified. Mask artefacts can occur due to fogging of the inferior rim of the trail lens. Fortunately, the risk of airborne transmission when field testing is low. The 24-2c may be useful to detect early disease and the 10-2 more sensitive to detect advanced loss. The SITA faster test algorithm is able to reduce testing time thereby improving clinic efficiency, however, may show milder results for moderate or severe glaucoma. The technician has an important role of supervising the visual field performance to achieve reliable output. Home monitoring can provide earlier detection of progression and thus improve monitoring of glaucoma as well as reduce the burden of in-clinic assessments. Artificial Intelligence has been found to have high sensitivity and specificity compared to expert observers in detecting field abnormalities and progression as well as integrating structure with function. Although these advances will improve efficiency and guide accuracy, there will remain a need for clinicians to interpret the results and instigate management.

Glaucoma progression. Clinical practice guide

OBJECTIVE

To provide general recommendations that serve as a guide for the evaluation and management of glaucomatous progression in daily clinical practice based on the existing quality of clinical evidence.

METHODS

After defining the objectives and scope of the guide, the working group was formed and structured clinical questions were formulated following the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) format. Once all the existing clinical evidence had been independently evaluated with the AMSTAR 2 (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) and Cochrane "Risk of bias" tools by at least two reviewers, recommendations were formulated following the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline network (SIGN) methodology.

RESULTS

Recommendations with their corresponding levels of evidence that may be useful in the interpretation and decision-making related to the different methods for the detection of glaucomatous progression are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that for many of the questions the level of scientific evidence available is not very high, this clinical practice guideline offers an updated review of the different existing aspects related to the evaluation and management of glaucomatous progression.

Association of macular structure, function, and vessel density with foveal threshold in advanced glaucoma

Identifying new biomarkers associated with central visual function impairment is important in advanced glaucoma patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 154 eyes from 154 subjects, consisting of 86 patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma (mean deviation of 24-2 visual field [VF] tests < - 15 dB) and 68 healthy controls. Structure, function, and vessel density (VD) parameters were obtained using optical coherence tomography (OCT), 24-2 standard automated perimetry, and OCT angiography, respectively. The relationships of macular thickness, central 5° and 10° VF mean sensitivity (MS), and macular VD parameters with foveal threshold (FT), representing central visual function, were investigated using partial correlation analyses and linear regression analyses, with age adjustment. Superficial and deep layer macular VD, central 5° and 10° VF MS, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) correlated significantly with FT after age adjustment (P < 0.05). In multivariate linear regression analyses, FT associated significantly with BCVA (β = - 8.80, P < 0.001), central 5° MS (β = 0.30, P = 0.037), and deep-layer global parafoveal VD (β = 0.37, P = 0.037). Thus, deep-layer parafoveal VD is an independent predictor of FT and may be a potential biomarker for central visual function in advanced glaucoma.

Remote Video Monitoring of Simultaneous Visual Field Testing

PRCIS

In this prospective interventional case series that included 474 patients, there were no significant differences in visual field (VF) parameters between fields from patients tested one-at-a-time and simultaneously, except for fixation losses.

PURPOSE

To test for differences in reliability and performance parameters of patients taking VF tests while using a remote patient monitoring system to supervise 1 or 2 test sessions simultaneously.

METHODS

In a prospective interventional case series, 861 eyes of 474 consecutive patients undergoing automated perimetry during a 6-month period were monitored during the test using an audio/video-enabled remote monitoring system. Two patients were simultaneously tested (simultaneous test) by a single technician if they were ready for testing at the same time. Patients were otherwise tested individually (single test). Performance and reliability parameters including false negatives, false positives, fixation losses, mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, VF index, and test duration were compared between patients undergoing simultaneous tests and single tests. Patients undergoing remotely monitored testing, for whom a prior VF could be found, had performance and reliability parameters compared with those prior tests. VFs were analyzed separately for 2 test strategies: SITA Standard 24-2 and SITA Faster 24-2C.

RESULTS

No significant parameter differences were observed among SITA Standard 24-2 VFs between single and simultaneous tests, except for fixation losses (single: 16.8±19.7%, simultaneous: 22.5±25.0%, P=0.01). Similarly, there were no significant differences observed among SITA Faster 24-2C tests. Paired analyses comparing remotely monitored VFs with prior traditionally monitored VFs showed no significant differences for any parameters, except for fewer fixation losses with remote monitoring (traditional: 23.6±27.5%, remote 17.7±20.8%, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Remote patient monitoring of VF testing enabled technicians to supervise testing of 2 patients simultaneously with preserved performance and reliability.

The Frontloading Fields Study: The Impact of False Positives and Seeding Point Errors on Visual Field Reliability When Using SITA-Faster

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of two conventional reliability criteria (false positives [FPs] and seeding point errors [SPEs]) and the concurrent effect of low sensitivity points (≤19 dB) on intrasession SITA-Faster visual field (VF) result correlations.

Methods

There were 2320 intrasession SITA-Faster VF results from 1160 eyes of healthy, glaucoma suspects, and subjects with glaucoma that were separated into “both reliable” or “reliable-unreliable” pairs. VF results (mean deviation and pointwise sensitivity) were analyzed against the spectrum of FP rates and SPE, with and without censorship of sensitivity results ≤19 dB. Segmental linear regression was used to identify critical points where visual field results were significantly different between tests due to FP levels.

Results

There was a significant, but small (0.09 dB per 1% exceeding 12%) increase in mean deviation, and an increase in the number of points showing a >3 dB sensitivity increase (0.25–0.28 locations per 1% exceeding 12%). SPEs were almost exclusively related to a decrease in sensitivity at the primary seeding points but did not result in significant differences in other indices. Censoring sensitivity results ≤19 dB significantly improved the correlation between reliable and unreliable results.

Conclusions

Current criteria for judging an unreliable VF result (FP rate >15% and SPE) can lead to data being erroneously excluded, as many results do not show significant differences compared to those deemed “reliable.” Censoring of sensitivity results ≤19 dB improves intrasession correlations in VF results.

Translational Relevance

We provide guidelines for assessing the impact of FP, SPE, and low sensitivity results on VF interpretation.

The Frontloading Fields Study (FFS): Detecting Changes in Mean Deviation in Glaucoma Using Multiple Visual Field Tests Per Clinical Visit

Purpose

To determine the impact of different numbers of visual field tests per visit for detecting mean deviation changes over time in patients with early glaucoma or suspected glaucoma and to identify a practical approach to maximize change detection.

Methods

Intrasession (n = 322) and intersession (n = 323) visual field results for patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma were used to model mean deviation change in 10,000 progressing and 10,000 non-progressing computer-simulated patients over time. Variables assessed in the model included follow-up intervals (0.5, 1, or 2 years), reliability rates (70%, 85%, or 100%) and number of visual field tests performed at each visit (one to four).

Results

Two visual field tests per session compared with one provided higher case detection rates at 2 years (99%–99.8% vs. 34.7%–76.3%, respectively), reduced time to detection (three or four visits vs. six to 10, respectively), and more positive mean deviation score (−4 dB vs. −10 dB, respectively) at the point of mean deviation change identification, especially in the context of unreliable results. Performing two tests per visit offered similar advantages compared with more tests. False positive change detection rates (<2.5%), were similar across all conditions. Patients followed up 6 monthly had less severe mean deviation loss at follow-up compared to 1-year and 2-year follow-up intervals.

Conclusions

Performing two tests per clinical visit at 6 months is practical using SITA-Faster and provides higher detection rates of mean deviation change in comparison with only one test performed per visit and more spaced-out intervals.

Translational Relevance

This model provides guidance for selecting the number of tests per visit to detect mean deviation change.

Variability and Power to Detect Progression of Different Visual Field Patterns

PURPOSE

To compare the variability and ability to detect visual field (VF) progression of 24-2, central 12 locations of the 24-2 and 10-2 VF tests in eyes with abnormal VFs.

DESIGN

Retrospective, multisite cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 52 806 24-2 and 11 966 10-2 VF tests from 7307 eyes from the Glaucoma Research Network database were analyzed. Only eyes with ≥ 5 visits and ≥ 2 years of follow-up were included.

METHODS

Linear regression models were used to calculate the rates of mean deviation (MD) change (slopes), whereas their residuals were used to assess variability across the entire MD range. Computer simulations (n = 10 000) based on real MD residuals of our sample were performed to estimate power to detect significant progression (P < 5%) at various rates of MD change.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Time required to detect progression.

RESULTS

For all 3 patterns, the MD variability was highest within the -5 to -20 decibel (dB) range and consistently lower with the 10-2 compared with 24-2 or central 24-2. Overall, time to detect confirmed significant progression at 80% power was the lowest with 10-2 VF, with a decrease of 14.6% to 18.5% when compared with 24-2 and a decrease of 22.9% to 26.5% when compared with central 24-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to detect central VF progression was reduced with 10-2 MD compared with 24-2 and C24-2 MD in glaucoma eyes in this large dataset, in part because 10-2 tests had lower variability. These findings contribute to current evidence of the potential value of 10-2 testing in the clinical management of patients with glaucoma and in clinical trial design.

Patients' Views of Visual Field Testing and Priorities for Research Development and Translation into Practice

PURPOSE

Information regarding the views of patients, on visual field testing is limited, and no information exists regarding their preferences for test developments. This study aimed to increase knowledge of patients' experiences of visual field assessment and to explore their opinions and priorities regarding current areas of research and development.

DESIGN

Online questionnaire with purposive sampling design.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults who regularly undergo visual field tests in Australia who report having glaucoma or being at glaucomatous risk.

METHODS

An anonymous survey, implemented using the Qualtrics webtool, with both closed- and-open ended questions designed to explore opinions regarding visual field testing, visit attendance for perimetry, as well as priorities for developments.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The survey assessed 3 domains: (1) opinions regarding test duration and visit frequency, (2) subjective experience, and (3) perspectives on future developments.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-two complete survey responses were obtained. The median age of participants was 66 years (interquartile range [IQR], 60-72 years). Most participants (70%) had experience of undergoing more than 11 visual field tests. Participants recalled that they completed visual field tests in median of 6 minutes (IQR, 5-8 minutes) and were willing to accept additional time (median, 5 minutes; IQR, 3-6 minutes) to obtain more information. Participants were prepared to increase both the number of visual field tests per eye and the frequency of visual field tests (median, 3 visits per year; IQR, 2-4 visits per year) to gain more information about their visual status. Regarding future developments, the most preferred option was "similar test times but an increase in the level of information about my visual field," which ranked significantly higher than all other options, including "shorter test times that maintain the currently available level of information about my visual field."

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms, in a different population and health care system, previous research reporting patient perspectives on visual field assessment. We further revealed that health care consumers show a strong preference for accurate information about their vision and report being prepared to undergo longer visual field tests or more visual field tests to achieve that outcome.

Comparison of the 24-2 and 24-2C Visual Field Grids in Determining the Macular Structure-Function Relationship in Glaucoma

PRECIS

The 24-2C grid showed significantly greater structure-function associations in the global and regional sectors than the 24-2 VF grid in open-angle glaucoma eyes.

PURPOSE

To compare a Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm-Faster (SITA-faster) 24-2C grid to a conventional HFA 24-2 grid regarding macular structure-function (S-F) relationships.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) was measured at different parafoveal sectors using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in 150 eyes from 150 healthy, preperimetric and perimetric glaucoma subjects. The central visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) on the decibel and 1/L scales and the parafoveal mGCIPLT were matched topographically in four sectors and the strengths of the S-F relationships were assessed using 'weighted' correlation coefficients and compared between 24-2C and 24-2 VF test grids.

RESULTS

There were significant global and sectoral correlations between the mGCIPLT and VFMS using both VF grids. The S-F correlations between the average/hemimacular mGCIPLT and the corresponding VFMS using a 24-2C grid were however significantly greater in both the entire and PG groups (P<0.05), except for the average mGCIPLT of the PG group in the 1/L scale (P=0.065). The 24-2C grid showed significantly greater S-F associations in the superotemporal and inferotemporal parafoveal sectors than the 24-2 VF grid (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A 24-2C grid may offer an advantage over the conventional 24-2 VF grid in assessing macular S-F relationships.

Do Additional Testing Locations Improve the Detection of Macular Perimetric Defects in Glaucoma?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of additional central testing locations to improve detection of macular visual field (VF) defects in glaucoma.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred forty healthy people and 499 patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) were tested with a fundus tracked perimeter (CMP; CenterVue) using a 24-2 grid with 12 additional macular locations (24-2+).

METHODS

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy was identified based on expert evaluation of optic nerve head photographs and OCT scans, independently of the VF. We defined macular defects as locations with measurements outside the 5% and 2% normative limits on total deviation (TD) and pattern deviation (PD) maps within the VF central 10°. Classification was based on the total number of affected macular locations (overall detection) or the largest number of affected macular locations connected in a contiguous cluster (cluster detection). Criteria based on the number of locations and cluster size were used to obtain equivalent specificity between the 24-2 grid and the 24-2+ grids, calculated using false detections in the healthy cohort. Partial areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (pAUCs) were also compared at specificities of 95% or more.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Matched specificity comparison of the ability to detect glaucomatous macular defects between the 24-2 and 24-2+ grids.

RESULTS

At matched specificity, cluster detection identified more macular defects with the 24-2+ grid compared with the 24-2 grid. For example, the mean increase in percentage of detection was 8% (95% confidence interval, 5%-11%) and 10% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%-13%) for 5% TD and PD maps, respectively, and 5% (95% CI, 2%-7%) and 6% (95% CI, 4%-8%) for the 2% TD and PD maps, respectively. Good agreement was found between the 2 grids. The improvement measured by pAUCs was also significant but generally small. The percentage of eyes with macular defects ranged from about 30% to 50%. Test time for the 24-2+ grid was longer (21% increase) for both cohorts. Between 74% and 98% of defects missed by the 24-2 grid had at least 1 location with sensitivity of < 20 dB.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual field examinations with additional macular locations can improve the detection of macular defects in GON modestly without loss of specificity when appropriate criteria are selected.

Agreement Between 10-2 and 24-2C Visual Field Test Protocols for Detecting Glaucomatous Central Visual Field Defects

PRECIS

Moderate to substantial agreement between 10-2 and 24-2C perimetry for detecting central field defects suggests that adding central test points to the 24-2 protocol may improve efficiency of visual field (VF) testing for glaucoma management.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer 10-2 and 24-2C test protocols for detecting glaucomatous defects in the central 10 degrees of the visual field (CVFDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VFs from 165 eyes of 18 healthy individuals, 12 glaucoma suspects and 62 glaucoma patients who completed 10-2 and 24-2C VF testing protocols within 6 months were included. CVFDs on 10-2 and 24-2C (within the central 22 points) test grids required a cluster of 3 contiguous points with P<5%, 5%, and 1% or <5%, 2%, and 2% within a hemifield on the total deviation (TD) or pattern deviation (PD) plot. Cohen kappa (k) was used to assess agreement between 10-2 and 24-2C test grids in identifying CVFDs. Specificity of each testing strategy was assessed in VFs from healthy eyes.

RESULTS

CVFDs in suspect and glaucoma eyes were combined and reported as localized to superior, inferior or both hemifields based on TD and PD plots for 10-2 and 24-2C test grids. Moderate to substantial agreement was observed between 10-2 and 24-2C grids for detecting any CVFD from PD (k=0.551) and TD (k=0.651) plots. Specificity was high in healthy eyes ranging from 0.94 to 1.0 for both test protocols.

CONCLUSION

Substantial agreement for identifying CVFDs using the 24-2C and 10-2 protocols suggests that combining tests by adding central test points to the 24-2 test grid may supplant the need for 2 perimetry regimens for detecting central and peripheral glaucomatous VF damage.

Prediction of 10-2 Visual Field Loss Using Optical Coherence Tomography and 24-2 Visual Field Data

PRECIS

Using standard glaucoma structural and functional tests, clinicians accurately predicted the presence/absence of 10-2 glaucomatous visual field (VF) loss in 90% of the eyes in this study.

PURPOSE

To investigate how well clinicians with variable experience can predict the presence and location of 10-2 VF loss using structural and functional data that are routinely obtained for glaucoma assessment.

METHODS

Within a test set of 416 eyes (210 subjects) who were diagnosed glaucoma suspect or primary open-angle glaucoma (with most eyes having mild disease), 6 clinicians were asked to predict the presence and hemispheric location of 10-2 VF loss using 24-2 VF and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography structural data. Prediction accuracies were calculated for each clinician and compared using the weighted κ-statistic. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate models for predicting 10-2 VF loss.

RESULTS

Among the 6 clinicians, mean (range) accuracy, false negatives, and false positives for predicting presence/absence of 10-2 VF loss were 90% (87% to 92%), 4.7% (2.4% to 7.0%), and 5.4% (1.7% to 7.5%) respectively. The mean (range) weighted κ-statistic was 0.75 (0.64 to 0.83), suggesting good or very good inter-rater agreement between examiners. Mean accuracy for correctly predicting hemispheric location was 73% (range, 65% to 82%) with the most common error occurring in eyes with both superior and inferior 10-2 VF defects in which one hemisphere was correctly identified but the other missed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the presence/absence of 10-2 glaucomatous VF loss was highly predictable using standard functional and structural clinical metrics. These findings suggest that 10-2 VF testing is not needed to reliably recognize and confirm central VF involvement in most eyes with glaucoma. Whether error related to identifying second hemisphere involvement in 10-2 VF loss is important requires further study.

A Novel Stimulus to Improve Perimetric Sampling within the Macula in Patients with Glaucoma

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying glaucomatous damage to the macula has become important for diagnosing and managing patients with glaucoma. In this study, we presented an approach that provides better perimetric sampling for the macular region, by testing four locations, with a good structure-function agreement.

PURPOSE

We previously presented a basis for customizing perimetric locations within the macula. In this study, we aimed to improve perimetric sampling within the macula by presenting a stimulus at four locations, with maintaining a good structure-function agreement.

METHODS

We tested one eye each of 30 patients (aged 50 to 88 years). Patients were selected based on observed structural damage to the macula, whereas perimetric defect (using 24-2) did not reflect the locations and extent of this damage. We used en face images to visualize retinal nerve fiber bundle defects. To measure perimetric sensitivities, we used a blob stimulus (standard deviation of 0.25°) at the 10-2 locations. A perimetric defect for a location was defined as any value equal to or deeper than -4, -5, and -6 dB below the mean sensitivity for 37 age-similar controls (aged 47 to 78 years). We also presented an elongated sinusoidal stimulus for 20 patients at four locations within the macula, in which we defined a perimetric defect as any value below the 2.5th percentile from controls.

RESULTS

The -4, -5, and -6 dB criteria identified perimetric defects in 14, 13, and 11 patients, respectively. When testing with the elongated stimulus, 18 patients were identified with perimetric defect. The perimetric defects were consistent with the structural damage.

CONCLUSIONS

The elongated stimulus showed a good structure-function agreement with only four testing locations as compared with 68 locations used with the blob stimulus. This demonstrates a clinical potential for this new stimulus in the next generation of perimetry.

Comparison of 10-2 and 24-2C Test Grids for Identifying Central Visual Field Defects in Glaucoma and Suspect Patients

PURPOSE

To compare the ability of 24-2C and 10-2 test grids in measuring visual field global indices, identifying central visual field defects, and facilitating macular structure-function analysis with OCT scans in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.

DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

One eye from 131 glaucoma and 57 glaucoma suspect patients recruited from a referral-only, university-based glaucoma clinic.

METHODS

Each subject underwent perimetric testing using 24-2C SITA-Faster and 10-2 SITA-Fast in random order, and Cirrus OCT macular imaging (Ganglion Cell Analysis) for structure-function correlations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual field global indices (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, binarized "cluster" pass/fail, and central mean sensitivity), number and proportion of visual field defects, and structure-function concordance with the Cirrus OCT deviation map following visual field location displacement for correspondence with underlying retinal ganglion cell position.

RESULTS

Global indices (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and central mean sensitivity) were similar between both grids. The 10-2 detected more defects compared with the 24-2C (P < 0.0001 for all patients, P = 0.006 for glaucoma patients). This was preserved when analyzing the proportion of defects in the central visual field for all patients (P = 0.02) but was not significantly different for glaucoma patients (P = 0.051). The 10-2 identified more central "clusters" of 2+ contiguous points of deficit (P < 0.0001). Structure-function comparisons performed at locations where visual field and OCT test locations were colocalized revealed greater concordance of structural and functional deficits using the 10-2 (P < 0.0001). The 10-2 took a median of 201 seconds, and the 24-2C took a median of 154 seconds, corresponding to the different thresholding algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

The 24-2C and 10-2 test grids return similar global indices of visual field performance and proportionally similar amounts of central visual field loss. The additional points in the 10-2 grid return more "clusters" of defects and a greater rate of structure-function concordance compared with the 24-2C test grid. Thus, the 24-2C can identify the presence of a clustered central visual field defect using similar probability criteria, whereas the 10-2 may be more useful in comprehensively characterizing the defect and predicting central visual function.

Advances in perimetry for glaucoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Perimetry remains important for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma despite advances in imaging technology. The purpose of this review is to describe advances in the acquisition and analysis of visual field data and highlight novel techniques for performing perimetry.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have focused on improving the detection of patients at highest risk of severe vision loss and the development of innovative testing strategies that allow for more frequent testing. Artificial intelligence has been utilized in research settings to improve detection and characterization of glaucomatous field damage. Furthermore, tablet-based strategies and virtual reality headsets show promise for glaucoma screening and remote monitoring of patients with glaucoma.

SUMMARY

New testing strategies and research findings have improved our ability to identify patients with both paracentral and mid-peripheral visual field progression. New strategies have the potential to make visual field testing more efficient, reliable and accessible for patients with glaucoma.

Functional characteristics of glaucoma related arcuate defects seen on OCT en face visualisation of the retinal nerve fibre layer

Purpose

To assess continuity of perimetric defects corresponding to arcuate defects seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face reflectance images of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in patients with glaucoma.

Methods

Seven patients with glaucoma who had arcuate structural defects on OCT RNFL en face images were recruited. Static suprathreshold stimuli were presented along different meridians to localise perimetric defects in the corresponding hemifield. Then two contrasts, one 6 dB greater than the other, were used with kinetic perimetry to assess the slope of the defect. Findings with kinetic and 24‐2 perimetry were compared.

Results

Static perimetry found that regions of perimetric abnormality spatially corresponded with the regions of en face RNFL hyporeflectivity. Kinetic perimetry found that the slopes of the edges of the defects ranged from 3–12 dB degree⁻¹, and that the functional abnormalities were continuous with the physiologic blind spot even when the 24‐2 protocol only showed paracentral defects.

Conclusions

Perimetric abnormalities and arcuate RNFL en face defects were spatially correspondent. Perimetric testing guided by OCT en face reflectance images can reveal greater functional detail of glaucomatous abnormality than 24‐2 testing.

Simultaneously performed combined 24-2 and 10-2 visual field tests in glaucoma

Using either 24-2 or 10-2 visual field (VF) testing only is not enough to cover all the various types of glaucomatous VF defects. We investigated the performance of the combined 24-2 and 10-2 perimetry when conducted together and separately using the structure–function relationship. A total of 30 glaucoma patients with isolated peripheral nasal step, 37 patients with isolated paracentral scotoma, and 38 patients with both paracentral and nasal scotoma were included. To create the combined Humphrey VF test, a custom test pattern was established using the built-in custom point options, an example of the X, Y coordinate system. In glaucoma patients with peripheral nasal step, the superotemporal topographic structure–function relationship with peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was superior in relation to the combined or 24-2 perimetry relative to the 10-2 perimetry (both P < 0.05). The combined VF test showed more favorable inferotemporal or inferonasal structure–function correlation with the corresponding ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness when compared with results gleaned using the 24-2 VF test (P < 0.05). Simultaneously performed 24-2 and 10-2 VF tests demonstrated a superior topographic structure–function relationship when compared with them separately performed in some sectors.

A Strategy for Seeding Point Error Assessment for Retesting (SPEAR) in Perimetry Applied to Normal Subjects, Glaucoma Suspects, and Patients With Glaucoma

PURPOSE

We sought to determine the impact of seeding point errors (SPEs) as a source of low test reliability in perimetry and to develop a strategy to mitigate this error early in the test.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Visual field test results from 1 eye of 364 patients (77 normal eyes, 178 glaucoma suspect eyes, and 109 glaucoma eyes) were used to develop models for identifying SPE. Two test cohorts (326 undertaking Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm [SITA]-Faster and 327 glaucoma eyes undertaking SITA-Standard) were used to prospectively evaluate the models for identifying SPEs. Global visual field metrics were compared among reliable and unreliable results. Regression models were used to identify factors distinguishing SPEs from non-SPEs. Models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

In the test cohorts, SITA-Faster produced a higher rate of unreliable visual field results (30%-49.7%) compared with SITA-Standard (10.8%-16.6%). SPEs contributed to most of the unreliable results in SITA-Faster (57.5%-64.9%) compared with gaze tracker deviations accounting for most of the unreliable results in SITA-Standard (40%-77.8%). In SITA-Faster, results with SPEs had worse global indices and more clusters of sensitivity reduction than reliable results. Our best model (using 9 test locations) can identify SPEs with an area under the ROC curve of 0.89.

CONCLUSION

SPEs contribute to a large proportion of unreliable visual field test results, particularly when using SITA-Faster. We propose a useful model for identifying SPEs early in the test that can then guide retesting using both SITA algorithms. We provide a simplified framework for the perimetrist to improve the overall fidelity of the test result.

Increasing the Spatial Resolution of Visual Field Tests Without Increasing Test Duration: An Evaluation of ARREST

Purpose

The Australian Reduced Range Extended Spatial Test (ARREST) approach was designed to improve visual field spatial resolution while maintaining a similar test duration to clinically used testing algorithms. ARREST does not completely threshold visual field locations with sensitivity < 17 dB, and uses the presentations saved to test new locations in areas of steep gradient within the visual field. Previous assessments of ARREST's performance have used computer simulation. In this study, we cross-sectionally assessed the performance of ARREST in people with visual field loss.

Methods

We tested 23 people with glaucoma (mean age: 71 ± 8 years) with established visual field loss. Three visual field procedures were performed using the Open Perimetry Interface: cZEST and ARREST on the Octopus 900 perimeter (Haag-Streit AG, Switzerland), and a reference standard (best available estimate [BAE]) on the Compass perimeter (CenterVue SpA, Italy). ARREST was compared against the cZEST and the BAE.

Results

On average, ARREST added seven new locations (range = 0–15) to a visual field test. There was no significant difference in the number of stimulus presentations between procedures (mean = 259 ± 25 [ARREST] vs. 261 ± 25 [cZEST], P = 0.78). In classifying threshold values < 17 dB, ARREST performed similarly when compared against BAE.

Conclusions

This study provides empirical evidence to support conclusions from previous computer simulations that ARREST can be used to increase spatial sampling in regions of interest without increasing test time.

Translational Relevance

ARREST is a new approach that augments current visual field testing procedures to provide better spatial description of visual field defects without increasing test duration.