Reproducibility of nerve fiber layer thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography

J. S. Schuman, T. Pedut-Kloizman, E. Hertzmark, M. R. Hee, J. R. Wilkins, J. G. Coker, C. A. Puliafito, J. G. Fujimoto, E. A. Swanson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new technology that uses near-infrared light in an interferometer to produce approximately 10- μm resolution cross-sectional images of the tissue of interest. The authors performed repeated quantitative assessment of nerve fiber layer thickness in individuals with normal and glaucomatous eyes, and they evaluated the reproducibility of these measurements. Methods: The authors studied 21 eyes of 21 subjects by OCT. Each subject underwent five repetitions of a series of scans on five separate occasions within a 1-month period. Each series consisted of three circular scans around the optic nerve head (diameters, 2.9, 3.4, and 4.5 mm). Each series was performed separately using internal (fixation with same eye being studied) and external (fixation with contralateral eye) fixation techniques. The eye studied and the sequence of testing were assigned randomly. Results: Internal fixation (IF), in general, provides a slightly higher degree of reproducibility than external fixation (EF). Reproducibility was better in a given eye on a given visit than from visit to visit. Reproducibility as measured by intraclass correlation coefficients were as follows: circle diameter (CD), 2.9 mm, 0.51/0.57 (normal/glaucoma) (IF), 0.43/0.54 (EF); CD, 3.4 mm, 0.56/0.52 (IF), 0.43/0.61 (EF); CD, 4.5 mm, 0.53/0.43 (IF), 0.42/0.49 (EF). Conclusions: Nerve fiber layer thickness can be reproducibly measured using OCT. Internal is superior to external fixation; each circle diameter tested provides adequate reproducibility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1889-1898
Number of pages10
JournalOphthalmology
Volume103
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reproducibility of nerve fiber layer thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this