Evaluation of Contrast Sensitivity and Visual Field in Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between contrast sensitivity and visual field defects in patients with glaucoma. Methods: 120 eyes of 60 patients with a diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma and 40 (80 eyes) normal subjects whose visual acuity was 20/40 or better and 30 -60 years old were included in this study. Visual field analyzed according to the MD and PSD criteria of Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer and, contrast sensitivity was measured using the Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test according to the Michelson and Weber criteria. Visual fields of the patients were measured using the 24–2 full threshold program on the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. Data analysis was performed for descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: According to the Michelson and Weber criteria, contrast sensitivity was reduced in glaucomatic patients. A significant correlation (r = -0.289, P < 0.001) was found between the visual field mean deviations and contrast sensitivity scores (Michelson) and the correlation (r = -0.302,P<0.001) was found between visual field mean deviations and contrast sensitivity scores (Weber). The correlation (r‌=‌0.140, p=0.048) was less between the visual field pattern standard deviation and Michelson contrast, as was the correlation between the visual field pattern standard deviation and Weber contrast (r = 0.158 , p = 0.027). Conclusion: For glaucomatous eyes with visual acuity of 20/40 or better, a decrease in the contrast sensitivity correlates with increased visual field loss. We speculate that this decrease in contrast sensitivity in glaucoma patients may account for their complaints of poor vision despite normal or near normal visual acuity. This correlation may serve to develop improved testing to monitor the status of our glaucoma patients prospectively.