Rapid assessment of the visual field in glaucoma using an analysis based on multiple correlations.

We wished to determine which areas of the visual field contribute most strongly and most frequently to the deterioration of the visual fields in patients with high ocular pressure. The computerized analysis, using linear and multiple regressions of the findings in 382 visual fields, allowed us to select four test points sensitive enough to estimate the actual global sensitivity of the central visual field (correlation coefficient, 0.98). This system also allowed us to estimate the number of pathological points and even to classify accurately over 75% of the cases in terms of their normal or pathological condition, as well as to determine the depth of the defect. The remaining cases show that the deterioration, if it exists, is not significant. Requiring less than 1 min a threshold examination at these four test points enables us to acquire greater insight into the glaucomatous defect.