[Recovery time as a potential new progression parameter for patients with advanced glaucomatous optic atrophy].

BACKGROUND: Functional tests in glaucoma diagnosis can monitor a potential perimetric progression. However white-on-white perimetry is limited in advanced glaucoma, whereas contrasts were detected reproducibly. Especially when stressing (i. e. adapting) the visual system, subsequent measurements yielded different results-the visual system needs a "recovery time". In the present study the recovery time was investigated in patients with advanced glaucoma. Additionally correlation analysis was done with standard perimetric parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) and recovery time (RT) were measured using the Erlanger Flicker Test in 61 probands (15 normals, 25 primary open-angle glaucomas, 17 secondary open-angle glaucomas, 4 narrow-angle glaucoma). Additionally, ophthalmological examinations and perimetry (Octopus G1) was done.

RESULTS: (1) TCS was significantly reduced in patients with advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (2) Test stimuli with 3 and 5 % contrast showed a large variability in contrast to higher contrasts (12 %, 25 %, 35 %). (3) RT12% , RT25% and RT35% were significantly prolonged in advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (4) RT25% correlated significantly with mean defect (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION: Recovery time seems to be a potential parameter in advanced glaucoma follow-up, as it is reproducible, independently of cataract and fixation.