A method to detect progression of glaucoma using the multifocal visual evoked potential technique.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a method for monitoring progression of glaucoma using the multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) technique.


METHODS
Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma were divided into two groups. Group I, comprised 43 patients who had a repeat mfVEP test within 50 days (mean 0.9 +/- 0.5 months), and group II, 44 patients who had a repeat test after at least 6 months (mean 20.7 +/- 9.7 months). Monocular mfVEPs were obtained using a 60-sector pattern reversal dartboard display. Monocular and interocular analyses were performed. Data from the two visits were compared. The total number of abnormal test points with P < 5% within the visual field (total scores) and number of abnormal test points within a cluster (cluster size) were calculated. Data for group I provided a measure of test-retest variability independent of disease progression. Data for group II provided a possible measure of progression.


RESULTS
The difference in the total scores for group II between visit 1 and visit 2 for the interocular and monocular comparison was significant (P < 0.05) as was the difference in cluster size for the interocular comparison (P < 0.05). Group I did not show a significant change in either total score or cluster size.


CONCLUSIONS
The change in the total score and cluster size over time provides a possible method for assessing progression of glaucoma with the mfVEP technique.
Wangsupadilok
Boonchai
B
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.
Greenstein
Vivienne C
VC
Kanadani
Fabio N
FN
Grippo
Tomas M
TM
Liebmann
Jeffrey M
JM
Ritch
Robert
R
Hood
Donald C
DC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D018450:Disease Progression; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology