Eyeworld

EW GLAUCOMA 33 thus supporting various histopatho- logical, anatomical, and other psychophysical studies," Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin reported. While the clinical impact of the foveal damage may be subtle, it's definitely there. "Our study, using different modes of foveal CS testing, was able to detect significant differ- ences between patients with glau- coma who have good visual acuity and controls," Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin concluded. Further, Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin's report demonstrated that both the transient and static methods were sufficiently accurate for this type of CS testing. However, the static method appeared to be more effi- cient. "In a clinical setting, it is essen- tial for a test to be accurate at diagnosing a disease, and it is advan- tageous for it to be fast and easy to use," Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin noted. "The difference in conductance and timing between the tested methods makes the static method easier and faster. Results showed that both methods produce similar trends and are equally accurate, thus implying that the static method may be used safely in the future." It's now time to further research the role of CS testing in screening and monitoring glaucoma, Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin noted. That's a good idea, according to John D. Sheppard, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, microbiology, and immunology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk. "It may be a new way to make the diagnosis [of glaucoma], and it may be more sensitive since it in- volves central vision," Dr. Sheppard said. "Central vision is the last part of visual capability to go in glau- coma, but it may be the first to go in early glaucoma." Such a test might also be em- braced by patients. "If the test is sensitive, it would be very useful be- cause patients understand central vi- sion better than peripheral vision," Dr. Sheppard said. "Most glaucoma patients detest having a visual field test done. A foveal test may be more patient-friendly." EW Editors' note: Dr. Levkovitch-Verbin has no financial interests related to this study. Dr. Sheppard has no financial in- terests related to his comments. Contact information Levkovitch-Verbin: halevko@hotmail.com Sheppard: 757-622-2200, docshep@ hotmail.com February 2011 May 2011 30-33 Glaucoma_EW May 2011-DL_Layout 1 5/2/11 2:09 PM Page 33

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