Visual Field Algorithm Study (vFAST)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quantification of agreement and variability characteristics of a newly developed visual field algorithm with the reference standard: an observational study.
IRAS ID
187430
Contact name
David F Garway-Heath
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) is currently the standard test for screening and monitoring visual loss owing to glaucoma. This test requires the patient to sit at a machine, looking at a central light and pressing a button whenever small spots of light appear in the peripheral vision. Traditionally these spots of light are projected into a bowl (concave surface), but more recently, computer monitors have been used. Other techniques are also now available such as the Moorfields Motion Displacement Test, where patients are required to press a button each time they see a vertical line on the screen wiggle. This test has been shown to have advantages over SAP, namely, to be tolerant to the effects of cataract and refractive error.\n\nIn clinical settings, the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (Zeiss Meditec) is the most used visual field test in the UK. It employs a SAP strategy coupled with the Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA), which is used to derive retinal sensitivity. Visual field measurements are very variable, requiring many tests over a long period to determine the extent of vision loss. In addition to the inconvenience caused to patients, the contribution of these many tests to the financial burden on the NHS is increasing with the growing aging population. As glaucoma is a chronic disease, patients need lifelong monitoring, requiring multiple tests and clinic visits. To address these unmet needs, we developed a new algorithm that can be used to monitor glaucoma.\n\nWe wish to carry out a study, which will allow us to compare agreement between SITA and a newly developed test algorithm. Measurement variability will be determined and compared between strategies. The long-term goal is to reduce test variability and the test time observed in SITA, whilst producing comparable contrast threshold values.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0106
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion