Comparison of Two Different OCT Systems: Retina Layer Segmentation and Impact on Structure-Function Analysis in...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for glaucoma diagnosis.
• Comparing different OCT devices is essential for consistent clinical practice.
• Understanding structure-function relationships aids in glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare macular thickness (MT) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) measurements between Cirrus and Spectralis OCT systems.
• To evaluate the structure-function correlation between OCT parameters and standard automated perimetry (SAP) in glaucoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen primary open-angle glaucoma patients and 16 controls underwent OCT scans (Cirrus and Spectralis) and SAP testing.
• Differences in MT and GCIPL measurements between OCT devices were analyzed using t-tests and Bland-Altman analysis.
• Diagnostic performance was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and structure-function association was modeled using linear regression.

Main Results:

• Significant disagreement was found between Cirrus and Spectralis OCT for both MT and GCIPL measurements, with Spectralis yielding thicker values.
• Both OCT systems significantly differentiated glaucoma patients from controls for both MT and GCIPL.
• A significant negative association was observed between MT/GCIPL thickness and mean defect (MD) from SAP (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• While Cirrus and Spectralis OCT measurements are not interchangeable, both devices demonstrate significant diagnostic capability in distinguishing glaucoma patients.
• The structure-function correlation analysis yielded comparable results regardless of the OCT system used, supporting their utility in assessing glaucoma progression.