Application of isolated-check visual evoked potential in the diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

Objective To analyze the consistency between the isolated-check visual evoked potential (ic-VEP) and automated perimetry examinations in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the ic-VEP in the diagnosis of POAG. Methods Twentytwo healthy controls (25 eyes) and 28 POAG patients (37 eyes) were enrolled from December 2014 to June 2015. The POAG patients included 18 eyes of early stage, 13 eyes of mid stage and 6 eyes of advanced stage according to the HAP grading standard. All subjects were examined by routine eye examinations, Humphery 24-II perimetry and ic-VEP examination. The sensitivity and specificity of ic-VEP in the diagnosis of POAG were investigated, and the consistency of the ic-VEP and Humphery 24-II perimetry examination were analyzed. Results The sensitivity and specificity of ic-VEP in the diagnosis of POAG were 76.9% and 73.9% respectively (χ2 =15.355, P <0.05). The consistency of ic-VEP and 24-II Humphery perimetry test was good (kappa=0.74). Conclusions The ic-VEP is an effective diagnostic method of POAG and can be used in the grading of glaucoma. Key words: Primary open angle glaucoma; ic-VEP; Isolated-check; Visual evoked potential; Signal-to-noise ratio; Visual field