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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Integrated Photoacoustic Ophthalmoscopy and Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: January 15, 2013
Optical coherence tomography acquisition efficiency: comparison of Heidelberg spectralis OCT2 module & Zeiss Cirrus
Charissa H Tan1, Michael S Jensen1,2, Shannon Fitch1
1Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, John Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake, UT, United States.
Aims:
To compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) acquisition times between the Heidelberg SPECTRALIS OCT2® module (Spectralis OCT2) and Zeiss CIRRUS™ HD-OCT Model 6000 (Cirrus 6000) in a glaucoma clinic setting.
Methods:
A prospective observational study of 37 glaucoma or glaucoma suspect patients (72 eyes) aged ≥50 years undergoing routine imaging. Each participant received OCT imaging on both platforms during the same visit, with device order randomized. Acquisition times for optic disc/retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular scans were recorded using a standardized protocol. Subgroup analyses were performed for eyes with vision worse than 20/40. Image quality and repeat attempts were documented.
Results:
Total scan time was significantly faster by 41 seconds per person using Cirrus 6000 compared to Spectralis OCT2 (115.9 ± 44.7 vs. 157 ± 46.4 seconds; p < 0.001). Cirrus 6000 also demonstrated significantly shorter RNFL acquisition times (50.8 ± 29.7) compared to Spectralis OCT2 (99.5 ± 32.7 seconds; p < 0.001). Macular scan times did not differ significantly (p = 0.180). Spectralis OCT2 achieved higher completion rates and required fewer repeat attempts. Image quality scores met manufacturer thresholds for acceptable scans in most cases, though direct cross-device comparison is precluded by different scoring scales.
Conclusions:
Cirrus 6000 offers meaningful time savings for RNFL imaging, which may improve workflow efficiency in high volume glaucoma clinics. However, Spectralis OCT2 demonstrated greater reliability in challenging imaging conditions. Device selection should be individualized based on patient characteristics, clinic workflow, and imaging priorities. There is no single superior platform; aligning device capabilities with clinical needs can optimize both efficiency and diagnostic reliability in glaucoma care.
Precis:
The Cirrus 6000 achieved significantly faster OCT acquisition times while the Spectralis OCT2 demonstrated greater reliability in challenging imaging conditions. These differences highlight how platform selection can influence workflow efficiency and imaging success in glaucoma clinics.
