Test–retest variability in structural parameters measured with glaucoma imaging devices

Abstract

In addition to classical stereo-disc photography, various glaucoma imaging devices were developed in the last two decades to quantitatively measure and record glaucoma-related structural parameters of the eye. In determining whether or not the glaucomatous damage progressed from baseline and in estimating the number of test results' optimal frequency needed to confirm disease progression, information relating to the test-retest variability of measurement results provided by each imaging device is indispensable. Such information enables the clinician to apply these devices in practice. The test-retest variability of a system is usually estimated using the Bland-Altman analysis and by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and minimum detectable changes (MDC). The reported CV, ICC, and MDC values for glaucoma-related structural parameter measurement results of stereo-disc photographs, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, scanning laser polarimeters, time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), anterior-segment OCT, and ultrasound biomicroscope are systematically reviewed in this manuscript, which will enable the clinician to interpret measurement results provided by each glaucoma imaging devices and thus be useful in practice. Although SD-OCT systems may be currently prevailing because of the volume of information provided and the relatively better test-retest variability, these systems need improvement in their test-retest variability measurement capabilities.