Purpose: To evaluate whether a single frequency doubling perimetry (FDT) test is a valid screening tool to detect open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in high-risk populations.
Patients and methods: All participants underwent frequency doubling Technology perimetry (FDT C-20-5 algorithm, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA) and complete ophthalmic examination. FDT printouts were classified according to Iwasaki and Patel protocols. Gold-standard was clinical diagnosis of glaucomatous optic nerve damage.
Main outcome measures: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive, and negative likelihood ratios of a single-test screening FDT.
Results: Data of 445 right eyes and 408 left eyes of participants were analyzed. On the basis of clinical diagnosis, 19 right eyes (4.3%) and 20 left eyes (4.9%) had glaucoma. Depending on the gold standard used, the range of sensitivity was between 40.7% and 78.9%, 66% and 70% for specificity, 7.7% and 25.2% for positive predictive value, 82.3% and 98.6% for negative predictive value, 1.25 and 2.37 for positive likelihood ratio, and 0.32 and 0.87 for negative likelihood ratio. The κ coefficient of agreement between the FDT classifications as described by Iwasaki et al and Patel et al was 0.936 in right eyes and 0.935 in left eyes.
Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of a single reliable screening FDT test were low. Thus, a single screening FDT test in even a high-risk population has poor validity and steps should be taken to better define the target population before testing, and enhance the FDT screening strategy.