[Recovery time as a potential new progression parameter for patients with advanced glaucomatous optic atrophy].
BACKGROUND
Functional tests in glaucoma diagnosis can monitor a potential perimetric progression. However white-on-white perimetry is limited in advanced glaucoma, whereas contrasts were detected reproducibly. Especially when stressing (i. e. adapting) the visual system, subsequent measurements yielded different results-the visual system needs a "recovery time". In the present study the recovery time was investigated in patients with advanced glaucoma. Additionally correlation analysis was done with standard perimetric parameters.


METHODS
Temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) and recovery time (RT) were measured using the Erlanger Flicker Test in 61 probands (15 normals, 25 primary open-angle glaucomas, 17 secondary open-angle glaucomas, 4 narrow-angle glaucoma). Additionally, ophthalmological examinations and perimetry (Octopus G1) was done.


RESULTS
(1) TCS was significantly reduced in patients with advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (2) Test stimuli with 3 and 5 % contrast showed a large variability in contrast to higher contrasts (12 %, 25 %, 35 %). (3) RT12%, RT25%and RT35%were significantly prolonged in advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (4) RT25%correlated significantly with mean defect (p = 0.015).


CONCLUSIONS
Recovery time seems to be a potential parameter in advanced glaucoma follow-up, as it is reproducible, independently of cataract and fixation.
Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland. bettina.hohberger@uk-erlangen.de.
B
B
Hohberger
Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
S
S
Mißlinger
Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
F
F
Horn
School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
J
J
Kremers
D000368:Aged; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005425:Flicker Fusion; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*
Adaptation; Advanced glaucoma; Contrast; Contrast sensitivity; Perimetry; Recovery time