緑内障眼における網膜神経線維束萎縮と空間周波数特性の相関

Spatial contrast sensitivity, visual field defect and retinal nerve fiber defect in glaucoma

　種々の視野障害を有する初期—中期緑内障61例100眼の空間周波数特性を測定し，周辺視野障害の程度，黄斑部神経線維束萎縮の程度と，空間周波数特性障害との相関を検討した．

　周辺視野障害の程度と空間周波数特性障害との間には，明らかな相関は認めなかった．黄斑部神経線維束萎縮の進行に伴い，空間周波数特性の低下を示した．緑内障において中心視機能障害は，比較的早期より生じていると考えられた．

We measured central contrast sensitivity in 100 eyes of 61 patients with primary open angle glau-coma and 20/20 vision. The value of contrast sensi-tivity deficiency was not correlated with the visual field defect. Positive correlation was presentbetween contrast sensitivity deficits and papil-lomacular nerve fiber atrophy.

The findings seemed suggest that the central vision is often affected by nerve fiber damage in the early stages of glaucoma despite 20/20 vision. Measurement of central contrast sensitivity was thus useful in detecting central visual defects.