The usefulness of frequency doubling technology perimetry in glaucoma screening in health-check program

PURPOSE: Visual field testing has not been used as a screening procedure because it requires too much testing time and manpower. We evaluated the usefulness of Frequency Doubling Technology(FDT) visual field testing as a screening procedure for glaucoma in a health-check screening program. METHODS: A total of 800 eyes of 400 persons were examined for visual acuity, noncontact tonometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, and FDT testing of visual fields (N-30-5). The initial screening result was considered positive for glaucoma if any abnormality of FDT perimetry was detected, the intraocular pressure exceeded 21 mmHg, or funduscopy showed glaucomatous disc cupping or retinal nerve fiber layer defect. The re-examination comprised several ophthalmic examinations such as automatic perimetry 9 Humphrey field analyzer). RESULTS: Glaucoma was suspected in 118 eyes; 16 eyes were thus diagnosed after re-examination. FDT detected visual field abnormalities in 15 eyes. There were 40 eyes that were not diagnosed although FDT detected visual field abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: FDT detected visual field abnormalities in glaucoma patients with high sensitivity and specificity. FDT is a useful screening test for glaucoma.