Abstract
Purpose :
To survey participant perceptions on the use of a tablet device for weekly home-monitoring of visual field (VF) by glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients.
Methods :
We recruited participants with either stable glaucoma in at least one eye, or intermediate AMD at a routine clinical review. Baseline perimetric examination was conducted with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA, glaucoma) or Macular Integrity Assessment perimeter (MaIA, AMD). Test subjects were trained on how to undertake a home VF test facilitated by the Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF) iPad application. They were tasked with performing weekly home examinations using the MRF for 12-months, assisted by a ‘voice-over’ that guided the testing process. At the completion of the study, participants were surveyed on the ease of use of the tablet device for home monitoring of vision, factors that would ensure the success of home monitoring, and their preference for using the iPad in assessing the visual field. Responses were scored using a 5-point Likert scale and the mean score [±SEM] was determined to gauge significance in preference.
Results :
Eighty-seven participants were recruited to the survey (n=37 glaucoma, n=50 AMD, mean age 66.9 [range: 29-84]). Participants found the MRF app very easy to use (mean 4.4 [.08]) and the ‘voice-over’ feature helpful in guiding them through the exam (mean 3.7 [0.13]). Previous experience using an iPad, as well as an information pamphlet provided at the training session were seen as most useful in enabling participants to use the iPad for visual field testing. A text message was the preferred method for reminding patients to perform their test. Undertaking a visual field examination with the iPad was much preferred over standard clinical devices (HFA/MaIA, mean 4.64 [0.08]). Those with a chronic eye disease favoured home monitoring their vision at either weekly (mean 3.80 [0.13]) or monthly (mean 3.92 [0.11]) intervals over the long term (weekly versus monthly, p>0.05). A sub-analysis of different age groups found no significant difference in survey preferences from younger (<70 yo) or older (>= 70 yo) participants.
Conclusions :
Home monitoring of the visual field under the guidance of tablet generated voice prompts was a positive experience for most participants with chronic eye disease. Participants were receptive to undertaking either weekly or monthly home monitoring in the long term.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.