Repeatability and reproducibility of optic nerve head topography using the retinal thickness analyzer

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2006 Feb;244(2):192-8. doi: 10.1007/s00417-005-0027-2. Epub 2005 Aug 5.

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to determine the reproducibility and repeatability of topographic disk parameters with the retinal thickness analyzer (RTA).

Methods: Thirty-nine eyes of 39 healthy subjects were included. Three observers performed three consecutive measurements of optic disk topography independently. Combined repeatability (intra-observer component of variability) and reproducibility (inter-observer component of variability, R and R) was assessed by variance component analysis.

Results: Six topographic parameters (disk area, cup area, cup volume, mean cup depth, maximum depth, and cup shape measure) revealed an acceptable repeatability and reproducibility expressed as the percentage of the total measurement variability (range 17.6-28.4%). The average reproducibility and repeatability of all optic disk parameters measured using the RTA was not acceptable (combined R and R = 33.4%).

Conclusions: Repeatability and reproducibility of the optic disk topography analysis using the RTA reveals a high variation, and should, therefore, be interpreted carefully for glaucoma diagnosis and for monitoring the disease.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological* / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Optic Disk / anatomy & histology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retina / anatomy & histology*
  • Visual Acuity