Frequency doubling technology perimetry for detection of glaucomatous visual field loss

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of frequency doubling technology perimetry to detect early, moderate, and advanced glaucomatous visual field loss. METHODS: In a prospective study, frequency doubling technology perimetry (C-20 full threshold) was performed in the right eye of 254 normal control subjects and 230 patients with early (n = 85), moderate (n = 114), or advanced (n = 31) glaucomatous visual field loss. Previous Humphrey Field Analyzer test results were used to classify glaucomatous visual field loss as early (mean deviation no worse than -6 dB), moderate (mean deviation between -6 and -12 dB) or advanced (mean deviation between -12 and -22 dB). RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curves showed 100% sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve, 1.0) for detecting advanced glaucomatous visual field loss, approximately 96% sensitivity and 96% specificity (area under the curve, 0.9751) for detecting moderate glaucomatous visual field loss, and approximately 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity (area under the curve, 0.9261) for early glaucomatous visual field loss. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency doubling technology perimetry demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detection of early, moderate, and advanced glaucomatous visual field loss. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.