CLINICAL APPLICATIONS & DISEASE - Glaucoma

Clinical Applications & Disease > Glaucoma 1 | 2 |

An example of contrast sensitivity testing's ability to detect and track a disease when 20/20 acuity cannot is seen with glaucoma, which can depress the contrast sensitivity of cells at peak sensitivity. Evidence shows that mid-frequency contrast sensitivity loss indicating eye damage due to glaucoma can be seen even before acuity loss, cupping or field loss presents. Consider the case study below.

Glaucoma Case 1 A 69-year-old female with 20/25 visual acuity had bilateral applanation pressures of 22 mmHg and an extensive area of paracentral and peripheral field loss extending across the inferior and superotemporal fields of the left eye. Contrast sensitivity testing revealed low sensitivity at 6 and 12 cycles per degree. A regimen of drug treatment was initiated.

Testing later revealed little change in the visual field and no change in acuity. However, contrast sensitivity function was substantially improved at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 cycles per degree. This shows both predominant middle frequency contrast sensitivity loss in glaucoma patients and that contrast sensitivity deficits can be reversed in some cases with early treatment. (In references, see: Ginsburg AP, Contrast Sensitivity Detects, Tracks Diseases.)

Clinical Applications & Disease > Glaucoma 1 | 2 |

 

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