Novel Swept-Source Optical Coherence Topographer Demonstrates Repeatability

Anterior segment measurements obtained from a novel, swept-source optical coherence topographer exhibited high intraobserver repeatability in measuring corneal parameters in healthy eyes, according to research published in Cornea. 

Researchers enrolled 50 eyes of 50 participants (mean age 33.3±9.9 years, 64% women) in the study. A single examiner obtained average keratometry (K), steep K, flat K, astigmatism, best fit sphere, and maximum K measurements on the anterior and posterior surfaces at 3 mm. The investigator also measured average K, steep K, flat K, and astigmatism in the total corneal power map at 3 mm, central corneal thickness and thinnest point thickness in the pachymetric map, and corneal diameter. They performed measurements consecutively a total of 3 times.

The team found high repeatability for all corneal parameters assessed. ICC values demonstrated a high association between measurements in all cases, with the lowest ICC value observed for astigmatism of the anterior surface (ICC=0.92; ICC≥0.98 for all other parameters). Researchers noted no significant differences among repeated measurements (P > 0.05).

Investigators note the high repeatability “when measuring corneal power to the anterior and posterior surfaces as well as in the pachymetric and CD values in healthy eyes,” and conclude “this device can be used for routine clinical practice and for clinical research.”

Limitations of the study include the small sample size, single center design, and strict inclusion of healthy eyes. 

Reference

Escolano Serrano J, Tarazona Jaimes CP, Monera Lucas CE, Romero Valero D, Moya Martínez A, Martínez Toldos JJ. Intraobserver repeatability of tomographic, pachymetric, and anatomical measurements in healthy eyes using a new swept-source optical coherence topographer. Cornea. 2022;41(5):598-603. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000002799.