The Spaeth/Richman contrast sensitivity test (SPARCS): design, reproducibility and ability to identify patients with glaucoma

Aims (1) To determine the ability of a novel, internet-based contrast sensitivity test titled the Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity Test (SPARCS) to identify patients with glaucoma. (2) To determine the test-retest reliability of SPARCS. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study of patients with glaucoma and controls was performed. Subjects were assessed by SPARCS and the Pelli-Robson chart. Reliability of each test was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the coefficient of repeatability. Sensitivity and specificity for identifying glaucoma was also evaluated. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for SPARCS was 0.97 and 0.98 for Pelli-Robson. The coefficient of repeatability for SPARCS was +/- 6.7% and +/- 6.4% for Pelli-Robson. SPARCS identified patients with glaucoma with 79% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Conclusions SPARCS has high test-retest reliability. It is easily accessible via the internet and identifies patients with glaucoma well.