advertisement
Abstract #15365 Published in IGR 1-3
Accuracy of scanning laser polarimetry in the diagnosis of glaucoma
Trible JR; Schultz RO; Robinson JC; Rothe TLArchives of Ophthalmology 1999; 117: 1298-1304
OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of scanning laser polarimetry. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 95 healthy subjects and 102 patients with glaucoma met all inclusion criteria. Data collected on each participant included an automated visual field examination, stereoview optic nerve head photographs, intraocular pressure measurement, and a screening and full scanning laser polarimetry study. Each participant was classified as 'normal', 'glaucoma', or 'uncertain' by each of three ophthalmologists, based on all available clinical information, with the exception of the scanning laser polarimetry results. Before data analysis, four diagnostic algorithms for the full-test mode and two for the screening mode were chosen to be evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity in detecting glaucoma. RESULTS: Of the four algorithms tested for the full-test mode, the 'number' (abnormal test score, >35) had sensitivities of 57%, 71%, and 81% for early, moderate, and severe glaucoma, respectively. Specificity was 89%. For the screening test, sensitivities were much lower, particularly for those with severe glaucoma damage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scanning laser polarimetry can help to differentiate subjects with normal findings from patients with glaucomatous damage. Even the best algorithm tested, however, failed to detect a substantial number of subjects with severe damage. Further study is needed before scanning laser polarimetry can be recommended as a screening method for glaucoma.
Dr. J.R. Trible, Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; USA
Classification:
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
6.9.1 Laser scanning (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.9 Computerized image analysis)
