Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Humphrey Field Test (HFT) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements in detecting glaucoma within a Latin American population.
Methods :
In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 14 individuals (2 men, 12 women), aged 51-67, comprising 10 with normal vision (mean deviation > -6.0 on HFT) and 4 with glaucoma. Exclusions were made for those with conditions affecting visual field or RNFL measurements. RNFL thickness was measured using Heidelberg Spectralis OCT, and HFT followed the Zeiss Humphrey Field Analyzer's SITA Std 24-2 protocol for both eyes. We assessed RNFL across seven sectors (superior, superior temporal, nasal, inferior temporal, inferior, inferior nasal, and temporal) and used t-tests to compare these sectors and visual field index between normal vision and glaucoma groups.
Results :
In the normal vision group, HFT mean deviation was -2.0 (95% CI: -2.98 to -1.02 dB), while the glaucoma group had -18.6 (95% CI: -26.10 to -11.11 dB). Visual field index significantly differed between groups (t = 3.7, p = 0.005). RNFL analysis showed non-significant differences in several sectors: superior (t=1.13, p=0.235), superior nasal (t=0.95, p=0.372), nasal (t=1.23, p=0.253), temporal inferior (t=1.15, p=0.28), and temporal (t=2.11, p=0.0602). Temporal superior sector had a non-significant difference (t=0.580, p=0.579). Most variables followed a Gaussian distribution, except nasal inferior and central sectors in the glaucoma group. Linear mixed models identified significant relationships between mean deviation and glaucoma-related RNFL sectors, notably central (Chi2 = 9.3605, p=0.001) and nasal (Chi2=14.5952, p<0.001), as well as significant correlations with the visual field index. <div> </div>
Conclusions :
Our findings suggest HFT's potential use in detecting glaucoma in a Latin American population, as evidenced by significant mean deviation differences between normal vision and glaucoma groups (t=5.36, p<0.001). Linear mixed models identified associations, especially in central (Chi2 = 9.3605, p=0.001) and nasal (Chi2=14.5952, p<0.001) RNFL sectors. Visual field index correlated with RNFL sectors in glaucomatous subjects. However, non-statistically significant differences in certain RNFL sectors between normal and glaucoma groups may impact the applicability of HFT and RNFL for glaucoma assessment in this population.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.