Simultaneous interocular brightness sense testing in ocular hypertension and glaucoma
D. Cummins, E. S. MacMillan, G. Heron and G. N. Dutton
Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the performance of the simultaneous interocular
brightness sense test in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open
angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Brightness matches were obtained for an
age-matched control sample and for patients with ocular hypertension and
POAG. In addition, for the patients with POAG, visual field defects were
quantified and a risk factor count was established for those with ocular
hypertension. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients with ocular hypertension, 20
patients with POAG, and 61 age-matched controls participated in the study.
RESULTS: Seven patients with ocular hypertension exhibited brightness
perception asymmetry outside normal limits for age-matched controls. Of
these, six were at high risk of having glaucoma develop and only one of the
remaining 12 was found to be at similar risk. All 20 patients with
established POAG had results outside the normal limits for a test
sensitivity of 100%. Three control observers had abnormal results, giving a
test specificity of 95%. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous interocular
brightness sense test is quick and simple to perform and is suitable for a
wide age range of patients. It warrants further assessment as a means of
screening for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
