M&S Smart System Contrast Sensitivity Measurements Compared With Standard Visual Function Measurements in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the nature and extent of letter contrast sensitivity (CS) deficits in glaucoma patients using a commercially available computer-based system (MSSS-II) and to compare the letter CS measurements to standard clinical measures of visual function. Methods Ninety-four subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma participated. Each subject underwent visual acuity, letter CS, and standard automated perimetry (SAP) testing (Humphrey SITA 24-2). All subjects had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.3 log MAR (20/40 Snellen equivalent) or better and reliable SAP (fixation losses, false positives, and false negatives < 33%). Contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) were estimated from the letter CS and BCVA measurements. The area under the CSF (AUCSF), which is a combined index of CS and BCVA, was derived and analyzed. Results The mean (± SD) BCVA was 0.08 ± 0.10 log MAR (approximately 20/25 Snellen equivalent), the mean CS was 1.38 ± 0.17, and the mean HVF MD was −7.22 ± 8.10 dB. CS and HVF MD correlated significantly (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). BCVA correlated significantly with large letter CS (r = −0.22, p = 0.03), but not with HVF MD (r = −0.12, p = 0.26). A subset of the subject sample (approximately 20%) had moderate to no field loss (≤−6 dB MD) and minimal to no BCVA loss (≤0.3 log MAR), but had poor letter CS. AUCSF was correlated significantly with HVF MD (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Conclusions The present study is the first to evaluate letter CS in glaucoma using the digital MSSS-II display. Letter CS correlated significantly with standard HVF MD measurements, suggesting that letter CS may provide a useful adjunct test of visual function for glaucoma patients. Additionally, the significant correlation between HVF MD and the combined index of CS and BCVA (AUCSF) suggests that this measure may also be useful for quantifying visual dysfunction in glaucoma patients.

Analysis of Visual Function and the Effectiveness of Assistive Devices in a Glaucoma Cohort at a Tertiary Eye Hospital

“…Though the degree of visual acuity impairment was significantly comparable with the severity of visual field loss (p = 0.001), the correlation between BCVA as such and visual field loss was found to be less (r = -0.528). When compared to the recent study by Jessica Liu., et al[23] a very closely comparable result was noted (r = -0.51, p < 0.001). Hawkins., et al[14] in 2003…”

“…This was highly comparable to a study by Jessica Liu., et al [23], in 2018, who noted a similar significant correlation (r = -0.22, p = 0.03).…”

“…In our cohort, the mean contrast sensitivity was 1.3 ± 0.47. This was comparable to a recent study by Jessica Liu., et al [23], where the mean was noted to be 1.38 ± 0.17 and to study by Richman., et al [12] where the mean was 1.28 ± 0.33. Hawkins., et al [14], in 2003, also showed comparable result, with the mean contrast being 1.44 ± 0.20.…”

The efficacy of microperimetry and contrast sensitivity test in the diagnosis of optic chiasm compression due to pituitary adenomas

“…Pekel et al showed that abnormal contrast sensitivity can occur in people with normal visual acuity [25]. Measurement of contrast sensitivity better reflects the functional status of the eye compared to visual acuity examination using high-contrast optotypes [26][27][28].…”

Ocular hypertension in myopia: analysis of contrast sensitivity

“…The measurement of contrast sensitivity becomes valuable in the diagnosis and follow up of some important eye conditions such as glaucoma. Studies show that contrast sensitivity can be related to data obtained with the visual perimetry, especially with the perimetric damage of the central area and of the optic nerve head [3,4].…”