https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0761-8383
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ABSTRACT
Purpose
To investigate: 1) the impact of reduced contrast sensitivity (CS) in specific areas of vision on subjective assessment of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) and objective performance-based measures in patients with primary open-angle, primary angle-closure, and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma; and 2) correlations between measurements of contrast sensitivity (CS) in specific areas of vision and visual field (VF) tests.
Methods
The Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity Test (SPARCS) measured CS in the inferior, superior, and central areas, while the Pelli–Robson test measured central CS. Visual fields were tested in participants using standard-automated perimetry. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) assessed VRQoL, and the Compressed Assessment of Ability Related to Vision (CAARV) assessed vision-related performance.
Results
Three hundred and twenty-two eyes of 161 participants were included in our analysis. Significant correlations were found between CS and VF scores in the inferior, central, and superior areas (P < .0001 for all). Significant correlations were found between SPARCS scores in the inferior areas in both eyes and most CAARV scores (P < .05). Significant correlations were also found between SPARCS scores in the inferior and superior areas in the worse eye and most NEI-VFQ −25 scores (P < .05).
Conclusion
Contrast sensitivity and VF scores significantly correlated in all tested areas. Reduced CS in the inferior areas of both eyes affected most performance-based measures. Measurement of CS areas using SPARCS is a meaningful way to assess VRQoL and ability to perform daily activities in participants with glaucoma.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Mr. Yang Dai for help with the statistical analysis.
PROPRIETARY INTERESTS
George L. Spaeth and Jesse Richman are holders of a patent (No. 8,042,946) on the Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity Test (SPARCS). Other authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.