Unreliability and visual field variability is a known problem with automated perimetry in both developing and developed country settings. This study will look at the effects of a computer program that allows new patients to practice the visual field exam before taking the actual exam. Our hypothesis is that the intervention group will have less variability as measured by mean deviation between exams and greater reliability as measured by the standard unreliability indexes of false positive rate, false negative rate, and fixation losses.
3 study visits. Visit 1: Baseline visit for consent, getting baseline data and finally randomizing the patient. Those randomized to intervention get their first session of simulated visual field (2 per eye) on a regular computer for training purposes. Visit 2: 1 to 2 days after baseline. The intervention group gets 1 practice test per eye. Then both groups get a regular automated visual field Visit 3: 1 to 2 weeks after baseline. The intervention group gets 1 practice test per eye. Then both groups get a regular automated visual field. Study Ends, patient gets seen by the patient.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
200
Each practice session (simulated visual field test on computer) takes 3-15 minutes
Hospital Sótero del Río
Santiago, Puente Alto, Chile
RECRUITINGThe absolute value of the difference in mean deviation of the first and second visual field exam
Time frame: Visual field exams obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart
Difference in the absolute number of altered points in the visual field with a total deviation below the 0.5 percentile
Time frame: Visual field exams obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart
Difference in the percentage of false positives, false negatives, and fixation losses at the first and second exam between control and intervention group
Time frame: Visual field exams obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart
Difference in the time required to complete the first and second exam
Time frame: Visual field exams obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart
Difference in the proportion of unreliable visual fields at the first and second exam between control and intervention groups
Time frame: Visual field exams obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.