Reproducibility of Retinal Thickness Measurements in Normal Eyes Using Optical Coherence Tomography

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Abstract
* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproducibility of retinal thickness measurements in normal eyes using optical coherence tomography (OCT). * PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multiple 3.20mm vertical cross-sectional images through the center of fixation of consecutive patients with normal results on ocular examinations were obtained. Each image was divided into seven 320-pm segments. Regional retinal thicknesses for each section were measured using both the manually assisted (requiring observer localization of reflectivity peaks) and the automated modes (observer-independent measurement) of the computer software. * RESULTS: Eighteen right eyes were studied. The mean coefficient of variation was less than 10% for all locations using the manually assisted method (average standard deviation less than 17 pm [range 9 to 16 pm]). The automated method was less reliable, with a coefficient of variation greater than 10% for locations within 500 pm of fixation. Automated measurements at fixation were the least reproducible because of poor internal limiting membrane reflectivity. * CONCLUSION: OCT is capable of reproducible measurement of retinal thickness in normal eyes. Computer-driven, automated measurement of retinal thickness within 500 pm of fixation needs to be refined and its reproducibility reassessed in this region. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1998;29:280-285.]