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Biomedical subjects

Chris A Johnson

Publications and source records attributed to Chris A Johnson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Classification of visual field abnormalities in the ocular hypertension treatment study.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop a classification system for visual field (VF) abnormalities, (2) to determine interreader and test-retest agreement, and (3) to determine the frequency of various VF defects in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. METHODS: Follow-up VFs are performed every 6 months and are monitored for abnormality, indicated by a glaucoma hemifield test result or a corrected pattern SD outside the normal limits. As of January 1, 2002, 1636 patients had 2509 abnormal VFs. Three readers independently classified each hemifield using a classification system developed at the VF reading center. A subset (50%) of the abnormal VFs was reread to evaluate test-retest reader agreement. A mean deviation was calculated separately for the hemifields as an index to the severity of VF loss. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A 97% interreader hemifield agreement. RESULTS: The average hemifield classification agreement (between any 2 of 3 readers) for 5018 hemifields was 97% and 88% for the 1266 abnormal VFs that were reread (agreement between the first and second classifications). Glaucomatous patterns of loss (partial arcuate, paracentral, and nasal step defects) composed the majority of VF defects. CONCLUSION: The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study classification system has high reproducibility and provides a possible nomenclature for characterizing VF defects.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

A computerized method of visual acuity testing: adaptation of the early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study testing protocol.

PURPOSE: To develop a computerized method of visual acuity testing for clinical research as an alternative to the standard Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) testing protocol, and to evaluate its test-retest reliability and concordance with standard ETDRS testing. DESIGN: Test-retest reliability study. METHODS: Multicenter setting of a study population of 265 patients at three clinical sites. Visual acuity was measured with both the electronic visual acuity testing algorithm (E-ETDRS) and standard ETDRS protocol (S-ETDRS) twice on one eye of each patient. E-ETDRS testing was conducted using the electronic visual acuity tester (EVA), which utilizes a programmed Palm (Palm, Inc, Santa Clara, California, USA) hand-held device communicating with a personal computer and 17-inch monitor at a test distance of 3 meters. RESULTS: For the E-ETDRS protocol, test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.99; with 89% and 98% of retests within 0.1 logMAR and 0.2 logMAR of initial tests, respectively) and comparable with that of S-ETDRS testing (r = 0.99; with 87% and 98% of retests within 0.1 logMAR and 0.2 logMAR of initial test, respectively). The E-ETDRS and S-ETDRS scores were highly correlated (r = 0.96 for initial tests and r = 0.97 for repeat tests). Based on estimates of 95% confidence intervals, a change in visual acuity of 0.2 logMAR (10 letters) from a baseline level is unlikely to be related to measurement variability using either the E-ETDRS or the S-ETDRS visual acuity testing protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The E-ETDRS protocol has high test-retest reliability and good concordance with S-ETDRS testing. The computerized method has advantages over the S-ETDRS testing in electronically capturing the data for each tested letter, requiring only a single distance for testing from 20/12 to 20/800, potentially reducing testing time, and potentially decreasing technician-related bias.

Adolescent↗

Structure and function evaluation (SAFE): II. Comparison of optic disk and visual field characteristics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between glaucomatous structural damage to the optic nerve and development of visual field loss with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP). DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Patients with elevated intraocular pressure and normal SAP visual fields were enrolled in this prospective study. Stereo optic disk photographs, SAP, and SWAP visual fields were obtained annually over a period of 4 or more years. Trained readers evaluated baseline and follow-up optic disk photographs for evidence of glaucomatous damage. Standard automated perimetry and SWAP examinations were evaluated according to previously validated criteria for development of confirmed visual field changes. RESULTS: Two-hundred ninety-five subjects (479 eyes) were enrolled. Following masked assessment of stereo photographs by an optic disk reading center, 272 of the 479 eyes were judged to have glaucomatous optic neuropathy at the time of study entry. Depending on the criteria employed, approximately 10% to 17.5% of all eyes developed confirmed visual field loss for SAP (conversions). Of the conversions, 75% to 80% had baseline glaucomatous optic disk damage, whereas normal and glaucomatous optic disks were equally divided (50%) among the nonconversion eyes. This difference was statistically significant (P <.003). Depending on the criteria employed, 4% to 12% of the eyes had confirmed SWAP deficits at baseline, and 4% to 8% developed confirmed SWAP defects at a follow-up examination. There was a greater percentage of eyes with a glaucomatous optic neuropathy in the group with SWAP deficits (75%-100%) than for those eyes in which SWAP remained normal (45%-60%). Some of these differences were statistically significant (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: A strong relationship exists between glaucomatous optic disk damage at study entry and the subsequent development of a confirmed glaucomatous SAP visual field defect. A higher percentage of glaucomatous optic disks were also found in patients with SWAP deficits at baseline and in those who later developed SWAP deficits. These findings support the premise that a glaucomatous optic disk is predictive of the subsequent development of glaucomatous visual field loss.

Follow-Up Studies↗

Frequency-doubling technology perimetry.

The FDT perimeter is a compact and relatively inexpensive perimeter whose transportability, tolerance to refractive errors, and rapid test times (less than 1 minute per eye) make it a suitable candidate for visual field screening. It is a uniform finding that the C-20-1 screening protocol of the FDT perimeter provides good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of moderate and severe losses in glaucoma. Sensitivity can be increased by use of the C-20-5 screening protocol. In addition, the FDT perimeter demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity for detecting the presence of neuro-ophthalmic disorders, though it may have a limited ability to determine whether a field defect is hemianopic. There is only limited evidence that the FDT can appropriately detect retinal disease. Despite some evidence that the current FDT perimeter may be suitable for staging and monitoring the progression of visual field damage, the large targets used in the test make this of limited practicability. The development of a frequency-doubling test with smaller targets spaced over narrower intervals would improve the ability of FDT perimetry to determine the spatial extent of visual field defects.

Glaucoma↗

Appearance of the frequency doubling stimulus in normal subjects and patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the spatial structure of the frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry stimulus is visible at detection-contrast threshold in normal observers and those with glaucoma and to assess its perceived spatial frequency at threshold and suprathreshold contrast. METHODS: Three subject groups were assessed: 10 young normal observers (aged <40 years), 10 older normal observers (aged >50 years), and 10 subjects with glaucoma. Detection thresholds for centrally and eccentrically presented 10 degrees squares, 0.25-cyc/deg, 25-Hz counterphase flicker sine-wave gratings were obtained by using a yes-no staircase procedure. Eccentric locations were in areas of loss of FDT sensitivity (< or =21 degrees ) in subjects with glaucoma, or at 7 degrees or 21 degrees inferonasally in normal observers. Resolution-contrast thresholds were determined by a two-alternative, forced-choice staircase procedure in which subjects selected the orientation of the grating stimulus tilted at +/-45 degrees. Perceived spatial frequency was determined by having subjects alter the spatial frequency of a temporally interleaved stationary sine-wave grating to match the FDT stimulus. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between detection- and resolution-contrast thresholds, implying that spatial structure was visible at detection threshold. In general, subjects perceived the spatial structure to have a spatial frequency closer to doubled than to veridical, although the young normal subjects reported a lower apparent spatial frequency than older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: When instructed as for clinical testing, subjects respond to the presence of the structure of the grating, and perceive the FDT stimulus to have a spatial frequency greater than its true spatial frequency. These findings were consistent across both normal observers and those with glaucoma, at both central and eccentric test locations.

Adult↗

Frequency-doubling technology perimetry and optical defocus.

PURPOSE: The frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimeter has no provision for introducing corrective lenses, save for the patient's spectacles, and so patients are sometimes tested in the presence of moderate levels of defocus. The effect of defocus on frequency-doubling (FD) sensitivity was determined for both the commercially available instrument and for smaller targets that may be useful in spatially localizing visual field defects. In addition, whether stimulus artifacts may be detectable in the presence of defocus was assessed. METHODS: Detection and resolution thresholds for FD stimuli, along with detection thresholds for spatially uniform flickering stimuli, were measured in normal observers in the presence of up to +6 D of defocus. In addition, the effect of defocus on the summary indices (mean deviation [MD], and pattern standard deviation [PSD]) of both the commercial FDT perimeter and a customized perimeter with smaller, higher spatial frequency targets was determined. RESULTS: Thresholds for conventional FD targets (0.25 cyc/deg, 25 Hz) increased 0.1 log unit with +6 D defocus, whereas thresholds for smaller, higher spatial frequency (0.5 cyc/deg) targets increased 0.4 log unit. Despite the presence of a luminance artifact in the FD stimuli, detection, and resolution thresholds remained coincident at maximum defocus, suggesting that the artifact was not detectable. MD was significantly affected by defocus for the customized FD perimeter only, and PSD was not altered for either the conventional or customized test. CONCLUSIONS: In normal observers, optical defocus has little effect on FDT perimetry sensitivity and does not make low spatial frequency artifacts detectable. Improving the spatial resolution of FDT perimetry decreases its robustness to defocus.

Adult↗

Comparison of different methods for detecting glaucomatous visual field progression.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance characteristics of seven methods for analyzing glaucomatous visual field progression, using a combination of real patient data and computer simulation techniques. METHODS: The initial and final visual field results, separated by 7 years and measured with the full-threshold 30-2 program of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) of 76 patients with open-angle glaucoma were used. A computer simulation program generated 14 interim semiannual visual fields under conditions of high, moderate, and no variability. Progression was analyzed using the methods of the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS), the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS), three criteria based on the Glaucoma Change Probability (GCP) analysis, and two criteria based on point-wise linear regression analysis (PLRA). Specificities were calculated by using the same visual field of each patient as both the initial and final field (no progression) under conditions of moderate and high variability. RESULTS: Under the no-variability condition, progression rates were 18% for the AGIS, 36% for CIGTS, 47% to 62% for the three GCP methods, and 72% and 84% for the two PLRA methods. Progression rates increased with greater variability with the three GCP methods and decreased with all other methods. The time to detect confirmed progression was longest for the PLRA methods and shortest for the CIGTS and GCP methods. Under the moderate-variability condition, all methods yielded high specificity. The AGIS, CIGTS, and one of the GCP and PLRA methods were relatively resistant to high variability and maintained high specificities. CONCLUSIONS: The AGIS and CIGTS methods had high specificity, but classified fewer cases of progression than the other methods. The GCP methods determined progression earliest; however, they were generally not as specific. Methods based on PLRA were specific but times to confirmed progression were the longest.

Computer Simulation↗

Short-wavelength sensitivity deficits in patients with migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To examine short-wavelength sensitivity in patients with migraine using short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) and Stiles 2-color increment threshold procedures. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects with migraine with (n = 11) and without (n = 14) aura and 20 age-matched headache-free subjects underwent testing. All subjects underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) and SWAP (using a Humphrey field analyzer; 24-2 presentation pattern). In 2 migraine patients (one with and another without aura), the 2-color increment threshold procedure was used to determine whether sensitivity losses were specific to short-wavelength sensitivity pathways or a generalized loss to multiple pathways. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between migraine patients and controls were found for mean deviation (MD) or pattern-standard deviation (PSD) for SAP. However, for SWAP, MD and PSD were worse for the migraine group (P =.04). Twelve migraine patients had more than 4 locations with sensitivity worse than the 5% probability level (reference value). Increment threshold determinations in the 2 selected migraine patients indicated a selectively greater loss for short-wavelength sensitivity mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 50% of subjects with migraine (with or without aura) demonstrate SWAP sensitivity losses, at times between migraine events. These findings, in conjunction with previous results for SAP and flicker perimetry, suggest that migraine patients should be excluded from normative databases of visual function, and warrant further investigations of the relationship between migraine and glaucoma.

Adolescent↗

Spatial and temporal processing of threshold data for detection of progressive glaucomatous visual field loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of spatial and temporal filtering of threshold visual field data on the ability of pointwise linear regression (PLR) to detect progressive glaucomatous visual field loss. METHODS: Longitudinal visual field data (Full-Threshold Program 30-2 test point pattern) were simulated using a computer model of glaucomatous visual field progression. This approach permitted construction of a "gold standard" because matching visual field data without variability could be generated and analyzed. Four clustered progressive defects were produced, consisting of 2, 3, 9, and 18 locations, respectively, each with progression rates of -1 and -2.5 dB/y. Pointwise linear regression was used to identify progressive test locations (criterion for progression of statistically significant slope of < or =-1 dB/y, P<.05). Each visual field series was analyzed after the following 3 procedures: (1) no filtering (unprocessed data), (2) Gaussian spatial possessing (3 x 3 grid), and (3) temporal processing (2 field moving average). The effect of spatial and temporal processing on PLR discriminatory power for progression detection was quantified by comparison with the gold standard. RESULTS: Spatial processing reduced PLR sensitivity to levels below that achieved for analysis of unprocessed data for small progressive defects (< or =9 locations) or at the low true progression rate (-1 dB/y). Under these conditions, spatial processing caused small PLR specificity improvement. Spatial processing only improved PLR sensitivity above unprocessed levels when progressive defects were large and changing rapidly (progression rate of -2.5 dB/y). Temporal processing gave consistent PLR improvement in sensitivity for all defect sizes and true progression rates. Pointwise linear regression sensitivity gain provided by temporal processing allowed progression to be detected 2 to 3 visual fields earlier than for analysis of raw data. Specificity dropped slightly as a result of temporal processing but remained at 89% or above for all conditions studied. CONCLUSIONS: Gaussian spatial processing reduces PLR discriminatory power with low true progression rates or small progressive defect sizes and, therefore, is of limited use for detection of progressive visual field loss. Temporal processing improves the sensitivity of PLR and reduces the number of tests required to detect progressive loss with minimal loss of specificity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Image processing techniques can be applied to threshold visual field data to enhance sensitivity or specificity of PLR for the determination of progressive change. This investigation demonstrates that temporal processing may assist with the detection of significant progressive visual field loss with fewer test results than unprocessed data.

Computer Simulation↗

The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: a randomized trial determines that topical ocular hypotensive medication delays or prevents the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and worldwide. Three to 6 million people in the United States are at increased risk for developing POAG because of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or ocular hypertension. There is no consensus on the efficacy of medical treatment in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Therefore, we designed a randomized clinical trial, the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of topical ocular hypotensive medication in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG. METHODS: A total of 1636 participants with no evidence of glaucomatous damage, aged 40 to 80 years, and with an IOP between 24 mm Hg and 32 mm Hg in one eye and between 21 mm Hg and 32 mm Hg in the other eye were randomized to either observation or treatment with commercially available topical ocular hypotensive medication. The goal in the medication group was to reduce the IOP by 20% or more and to reach an IOP of 24 mm Hg or less. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the development of reproducible visual field abnormality or reproducible optic disc deterioration attributed to POAG. Abnormalities were determined by masked certified readers at the reading centers, and attribution to POAG was decided by the masked Endpoint Committee. RESULTS: During the course of the study, the mean +/- SD reduction in IOP in the medication group was 22.5% +/- 9.9%. The IOP declined by 4.0% +/- 11.6% in the observation group. At 60 months, the cumulative probability of developing POAG was 4.4% in the medication group and 9.5% in the observation group (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.59; P<.0001). There was little evidence of increased systemic or ocular risk associated with ocular hypotensive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Topical ocular hypotensive medication was effective in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Although this does not imply that all patients with borderline or elevated IOP should receive medication, clinicians should consider initiating treatment for individuals with ocular hypertension who are at moderate or high risk for developing POAG.

Administration, Topical↗

The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: baseline factors that predict the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) has shown that topical ocular hypotensive medication is effective in delaying or preventing the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in individuals with elevated intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension) and no evidence of glaucomatous damage. OBJECTIVE: To describe baseline demographic and clinical factors that predict which participants in the OHTS developed POAG. METHODS: Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected prior to randomization except for corneal thickness measurements, which were performed during follow-up. Proportional hazards models were used to identify factors that predicted which participants in the OHTS developed POAG. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, baseline factors that predicted the development of POAG included older age, race (African American), sex (male), larger vertical cup-disc ratio, larger horizontal cup-disc ratio, higher intraocular pressure, greater Humphrey visual field pattern standard deviation, heart disease, and thinner central corneal measurement. In multivariate analyses, baseline factors that predicted the development of POAG included older age, larger vertical or horizontal cup-disc ratio, higher intraocular pressure, greater pattern standard deviation, and thinner central corneal measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline age, vertical and horizontal cup-disc ratio, pattern standard deviation, and intraocular pressure were good predictors for the onset of POAG in the OHTS. Central corneal thickness was found to be a powerful predictor for the development of POAG.

Administration, Topical↗

Comparison of glaucomatous visual field defects using standard full threshold and Swedish interactive threshold algorithms.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the severity, size, and depth of glaucomatous visual field defects using standard full threshold (FT), Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard (SS), and SITA fast (SF) algorithms of the Humphrey perimeter. METHODS: A prospective observational case series of 77 patients with glaucoma performed FT, SS, and SF 30-2 white-on-white testing programs on the same day on 2 occasions for 1 month. The severity of defects was compared using the mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study, and Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish severity scores. The sizes of defects were compared using the total number of abnormal points on the pattern deviation plot that fit standard criteria for glaucomatous visual field defects. The depths of the defects were compared using the sum of the threshold values for points identified in the pattern deviation plot as fitting criteria for glaucomatous defects. RESULTS: The mean deviations were slightly better using the SS (-9.6 +/- 7.1 dB) or the SF (-9.1 +/- 6.7 dB) algorithm compared with the FT algorithm (-10.3 +/- 7.1 dB) (P<.005). There were no significant differences in pattern standard deviations between SS (8.6 +/- 4.0, P =.08) and SF (8.1 +/- 3.6, P =.19) compared with FT (8.3 +/- 3.3), although the pattern standard deviation was higher in SS fields compared with SF fields (P<.001). Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study scores were slightly better when the SS (7.5 +/- 5.6) or SF (7.2 +/- 5.4) algorithm was used compared with the FT algorithm (8.6 +/- 5.4) (P<.001). The sizes of glaucomatous defects were slightly larger using the SS (20.9 +/- 10.7) algorithm compared with the FT algorithm (19.2 +/- 10.9) (P =.004) but not the SF algorithm (20.0 +/- 10.6) (P =.11). The depth of defects measured by the SS (220.4 +/- 108.0 dB) and SF (219.8 +/- 101.3 dB) algorithms was significantly shallower compared with that measured by the FT algorithm (152.3 +/- 79.1 dB) (P<.001). There were no significant differences in Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish severity scores among algorithms (P =.12). CONCLUSIONS: Glaucomatous defects are measured significantly shallower using the new SITA algorithms but are approximately the same size and severity compared with FT measurements. Care should be taken when using threshold values to compare glaucomatous defects in a patient when converting from FT to SITA algorithms.

Adult↗

Structure and function evaluation (SAFE): I. criteria for glaucomatous visual field loss using standard automated perimetry (SAP) and short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP).

PURPOSE: To develop criteria for detecting glaucomatous visual field loss for standard automated perimetry (SAP) and short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP). DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. METHODS: Three populations were evaluated: (1) 348 normal subjects (348 eyes) were tested to develop normative databases and statistical analysis packages for SAP and SWAP. (2) An independent group of 47 normal subjects (94 eyes) with 4 years of longitudinal follow-up was evaluated to determine specificity of different criteria. (3) A group of 298 patients (479 eyes) with elevated intraocular pressure and normal baseline SAP visual fields were evaluated to determine the sensitivity of different criteria for detecting early glaucomatous visual field loss. RESULTS: Six criteria demonstrated high specificity for correctly identifying eyes with normal visual fields (98%-100%) for both SAP and SWAP: (1) a pattern standard deviation (PSD) worse than the normal 1% level, (2) a glaucoma hemifield test (GHT) "outside normal limits," (3) one hemifield cluster worse than the normal 1% level, (4) two hemifield clusters worse than the normal 5% level, (5) four abnormal (P <.05) locations, (6) five abnormal locations (P <.05) on the pattern deviation probability plot. For all criteria, confirmation on a second visual field was required for high specificity. The GHT "outside normal limits," two hemifield clusters worse than the normal 5% level and four abnormal (P <.05) test locations on the pattern deviation probability plot provided the highest percentages of conversion from a normal to a glaucomatous visual field. CONCLUSIONS: Criteria based on the GHT, GHT hemifield clusters, and the pattern deviation probability plot provide high sensitivity and specificity for detecting early glaucomatous visual field changes.

Adolescent↗

Progression of visual field loss in untreated glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects in St. Lucia, West Indies.

PURPOSE: A 1986-1987 survey found 8.8% prevalence of open-angle glaucoma in the black population of St. Lucia, West Indies. This follow-up study assessed visual field loss progression in untreated glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects 10 years later. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Subjects were 205 glaucoma patients and suspects; 1987 data included age, sex, visual acuity, and visual fields measured by automated threshold perimetry (Humphrey C 30-2 test), and 1997 data included intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and visual fields measured by the same test. Exclusion criteria included field unreliability, field improvement due to vision improvement, nonglaucomatous vision deterioration, glaucoma treatment since 1988, and scoring of a visual field as end stage in 1987. Visual fields were scored by algorithms for the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) and Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS). RESULTS: By AGIS criteria, 55% of 146 right eyes and 52% of 141 left eyes showed progression of visual field loss. In linear regressions, progression severity was unassociated with sex, intraocular pressure, or baseline visual field score, but was positively associated with age (P <.001, right; P =.002, left). The cumulative probability of reaching end stage in 10 years in at least one eye was approximately 16% by AGIS criteria. By CIGTS criteria, 73% of 146 right eyes and 72% of 141 left eyes progressed. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a unique opportunity to study progression of untreated glaucoma. The percentage of eyes showing visual field loss progression and the percentage reaching end stage were considerably higher than in studies of visual field progression in treated eyes.

Adult↗

Effect of spatial waveform on apparent spatial frequency.

We examined the effect of spatial waveform on the perceived spatial frequency of a grating target. The luminance profile of 0.5 c/ degrees sinusoidal gratings was modified by either compressive or expansive power functions, and was presented alternately with a true sinusoidal grating. Subjects matched the apparent spatial frequency of the two gratings using a method of adjustment. Both compressive and expansive power functions lowered the perceived spatial frequency of the grating, irrespective of the stimulus contrast. Rectified sine wave gratings were also found to reduce apparent spatial frequency. The magnitude of the spatial frequency shifts with spatial waveform diminished with successive matches, which may represent a change in matching strategy employed by observers. Calculations and a further experiment suggest that judgements of spatial frequency may in part be determined by the separation between edges in a grating.

Contrast Sensitivity↗

Baseline visual field characteristics in the ocular hypertension treatment study.

PURPOSE: The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical ocular hypotensive medication in preventing or delaying the onset of visual field loss and/or optic nerve damage in ocular hypertensive subjects at risk for developing primary open-angle glaucoma. This study evaluates the baseline visual field test characteristics (visual field status, reliability properties, etc.) of patients who underwent eligibility visual field testing for entry to the OHTS. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of baseline data as part of a longitudinal randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand eight hundred nineteen ocular hypertensive individuals, aged 40 to 80 (mean age, 55). METHODS: Subjects underwent at least two Humphrey Field Analyzer Program 30-2 Full Threshold visual field examinations in both eyes for study eligibility. A third examination was performed if a prior test was abnormal, questionable, or unreliable. For final eligibility, two sets of visual field examinations had to meet OHTS criteria for reliability and had to be classified as "normal." All OHTS visual field tests of potential subjects were submitted for eligibility assessment to the OHTS Visual Field Reading Center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The percentage of visual fields that were normal and reliable according to OHTS criteria. RESULTS: Of the subset of 2304 subjects who completed the eligibility assessments, 1828 (79%) were OHTS-eligible based on visual field test requirements. A third eligibility test was required for 11% of all eyes because of unreliable, questionable, or abnormal test results. With the 33% fixation loss cutoff in the OHTS, 97% of all eligibility visual field examinations were reliable and 3% were unreliable. The most frequent cause (69.5%) of unreliability was excessive fixation losses. CONCLUSIONS: Permitting one repeat test after an abnormal or unreliable test allowed an extra 560 patients to be "eligible" for the study based on visual field tests. A clinical screening review of otherwise normal and reliable tests was not restrictive. The adoption of a 33% fixation loss cutoff significantly reduced the number of required retests and prevented study rejection of 89 patients.

Adult↗

Sensitivity and specificity of the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm for glaucomatous visual field defects.

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of two new visual field algorithms in detecting glaucomatous visual field defects: (1) Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard and (2) SITA fast. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety normal subjects and 82 glaucoma patients. TESTING: Central 30 degrees fields were performed with the Humphrey visual field analyzer 30-2 program (Humphrey Systems, Dublin, CA) using full threshold, SITA standard, and SITA fast algorithms on the same day for two or more sessions within a 1-month period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity in detecting glaucomatous visual field defects with SITA standard and SITA fast using full threshold testing as the reference standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity of SITA standard and SITA fast in detecting glaucomatous defects overall was 98% and 95%, respectively. In the subset of mild glaucomatous field defects (26 patients), sensitivity of SITA standard was 92% versus 85% with SITA fast. Sensitivity was 100% for both algorithms in moderate to severe glaucomatous defects. Specificity for glaucoma defects using SITA standard and SITA fast was 96% for both algorithms. SITA standard reduced test-taking time from full threshold by 52% in normal subjects and 47% in glaucoma patients (P < 0.001). SITA fast reduced test-taking time by 72% in normal subjects and 65% in glaucoma patients (P < 0.001). Mean deviation values were 0.4 dB and 0.8 dB better in SITA standard and SITA fast fields, respectively, in normal subjects (P < 0.001), and 0.7 dB and 1.2 dB in SITA standard and SITA fast fields, respectively, in glaucoma patients (P < 0.001) compared with full threshold values. CONCLUSIONS: The new algorithms for measuring visual fields, SITA standard and SITA fast, have excellent sensitivity and specificity for glaucomatous visual field loss with considerable savings in time.

Adult↗