PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of frequency doubling perimetry (FDP) with Humphrey visual field testing used as the gold standard. METHODS: In a prospective study, 45 glaucomatous patients (90 eyes) and 31 normal patients (62 eyes) underwent frequency doubling perimetry and Humphrey visual field testing (24-2). Glaucomatous visual field loss was classified as early (mean deviation no worse than -6dB), moderate (mean deviation between -6 and -12dB) or advanced (mean deviation greater or equal to -12dB). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty two eyes underwent both tests. The average time for the frequency doubling perimetry was 5.23 minutes and 16.53 for Humphrey 24-2. The frequency doubling perimetry had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 71% irrespective of visual field loss. For early visual field loss, FDP achieved a sensibility of 76% and especificity of 74%. For moderate and advanced visual field loss sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 79%; 93% and 80%. CONCLUSION: Frequency doubling perimetry had a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting glaucomatous visual field defects especially in those eyes with severe visual field defects.
Sensitivity and specificity; Glaucoma; Perimetry; Comparative study; Visual fields; Optic nerve
