This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Automated alternation flicker enhances detection of optic disc hemorrhage
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
DANA POINT, Calif. — Automated alternation flicker is a tool to consider as a sensitive method for detecting optic disc hemorrhages in glaucoma patients, a speaker said here.
"Detecting disc hemorrhage can be somewhat challenging," Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, said at the American Glaucoma Society meeting. Citing work done in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, Dr. Radcliffe said that only 25% of disc hemorrhages are found on clinical exam, whereas 90% are seen on photograph, but the ideal photographic detection technique is yet to be established.
In a retrospective study comparing automated alternation flicker (AAF) using Matched Flicker software (EyeIC) with other photographic detection techniques, Dr. Radcliffe's team found that AAF is more sensitive for detecting optic disc hemorrhage.
AAF is a technique whereby two serial images of the same nerve, separated by time, are automatically aligned and alternated.
Of 394 glaucomatous eyes in the study, 221 were known to have disc hemorrhage, and 173 without disc hemorrhage were used as controls. The AAF images were rated by seven graders, as were single and side-by-side images, as having a disc hemorrhage or not. Sensitivity of detecting disc hemorrhage was greatest with AAF at 88% vs. 71% for side-by-side images and 76% for single images. There was no statistically significant difference in specificity among the three techniques.
"Disc hemorrhage is one of the strongest negative prognostic indicators for glaucoma," Dr. Radcliffe said, further suggesting that AAF may have an important role in the clinical management of glaucoma.
- Disclosure: Dr. Radcliffe has no financial interests in the products or companies mentioned in this article.