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New visual field app automates classification of glaucoma severity
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A new application that provides automated classification of visual field severity may serve as a new guide for managing glaucoma and estimating and monitoring progression.
The Glaucoma Staging Application (GSA) is based on the modified University of São Paulo Glaucoma Visual Field Staging System. It is designed to connect to Humphrey perimeters to automatically provide classification of severity, location and topographic extent of glaucoma damage based on visual field data.
In a study, 612 visual fields of 64 eyes of 32 patients were analyzed by the GSA. All visual fields were also independently analyzed by experienced ophthalmologists, and outcomes were compared.
The output of the GSA exactly coincided with the expert’s grading. The system also showed excellent reproducibility: The same classification was obtained when the test was repeated 1 week later, again involving GSA classification and independent analysis by the same ophthalmologist.
The GSA proved capable of classifying a wide range of visual field severity. Early damage was detected in 178 visual eyes (29%), moderate damage in 148 eyes (24%) and severe damage in 156 eyes (25%). No significant damage was present in 130 eyes (21%).
According to the authors, this application could help both clinicians and researchers to evaluate the extent of glaucomatous damage and its location and assess the risk of progression.
“Our study is a proof of concept that, if accepted by clinicians and researchers, could become a useful tool to objectively analyze visual fields,” they wrote. “It is our intent to make this application widely available so it can be translated into practical usefulness in clinical and research settings.” – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures
Perspective
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Lisa M. Young, OD, FAAO
As we learn and adapt to technology in our practice, we start to realize that the sky is the limit and that technological advances will continue to evolve and improve our practice methods.
In this application, Germano and colleagues have found a way to automatically classify visual field data to help determine the severity, location and extent of glaucoma damage, potentially giving us another weapon in our glaucoma management arsenal.
While a computer program can’t replace our training, experience and expertise, it can undoubtedly streamline our patient care and the way that we practice. This automated classification of information has the potential to help with our treatment and management protocols, assist in more accurate and consistent billing and coding, and can be considered as a standard for continued research efforts.
It’s truly exciting to watch technology change the face of medicine.
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