Comparison of Structure-Function Relationships between Tablet-Based Perimetry and Conventional Bowl Perimetry: a Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the structure-function relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters of the optic nerve head and corresponding sectoral mean sensitivity (MS) values obtained using tablet-based perimetry (TP) and conventional bowl-based static perimetry (CBP).

DESIGN

Post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional observational study.

SUBJECTS: A total of 140 eyes from 77 patients with suspected or confirmed glaucoma were included after exclusion.

METHODS

Participants underwent visual field testing using tablet-based perimetry and conventional bowl-based perimetry (Octopus 900; G-Pattern), as well as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT, Spectralis) of the optic nerve head, within an eight-week interval. Based on the Garway-Heath map, visual field sensitivity points were assigned to corresponding sectors of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW). Mean sensitivity values were converted to a linear scale. Structure-function relationships were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sectoral and global correlations between visual field mean sensitivity and OCT-derived BMO-MRW and pRNFL thickness, comparing tablet-based perimetry with conventional bowl-based perimetry.

RESULTS

Both BMO-MRW and pRNFL thickness demonstrated statistically significant moderate to strong correlations with visual field sensitivity across most sectors and at the global level (BMO-MRW: ρ = 0.64; pRNFL: ρ = 0.69; both P < 0.01). Global structure-function correlations were comparable between TP and CBP (BMO-MRW: ρ = 0.65 vs. 0.64; P = 0.87). In glaucoma-relevant temporo-inferior sectors, TP showed equal or stronger correlations with structural parameters compared with CBP, whereas weaker associations were observed in nasal sectors.

CONCLUSIONS

Tablet-based perimetry demonstrates a reliable structure-function relationship with optic nerve head morphometry, with correlations comparable to those obtained using conventional bowl-based perimetry. These findings support the potential clinical utility of tablet-based perimetry for structural-functional assessment in glaucoma.