Effect of cataract extraction on frequency doubling technology perimetry in patients with glaucoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery on frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry in patients with co-existing cataract and glaucoma.


METHODS
In this consecutive prospective cohort study 27 patients with open angle glaucoma scheduled for cataract extraction alone or combined with trabeculectomy were enrolled. All patients underwent FDT threshold C-20 visual fields within 3 months before and 3 months after surgery. Changes in mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were evaluated. Additionally, changes in best corrected logMAR visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications were also studied.


RESULTS
22 patients completed the study. VA improved after surgery, from 0.47 (SD 0.19) to 0.12 (0.17) (p<0.001). The visual indexes changed after cataract extraction: MD improved (from -10.9 (SD 4.6) dB to -7.0 (4.6) dB; p<0.001) while PSD worsened (from 7.1 (SD 3.5) dB to 8.5 (3.8) dB; p = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with co-existing cataract and glaucoma, examined with FDT, MD improved and PSD worsened after cataract surgery. Global indexes of FDT should be interpreted with caution in patients with glaucoma and cataracts.
Siddiqui
M A R
MA
The Eye Clinic, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK.
Azuara-Blanco
A
A
Neville
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014130:Trabeculectomy; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014794:Visual Fields