The precision and agreement of corneal thickness and keratometry measurements with SS-OCT versus Scheimpflug imaging

Comparison of a Scheimpflug imaging with other screening indices in diagnosing keratoconus and keratoconus suspect

Keratoconus (KC) is an irreversible blinding eye disease; therefore, early screening of KC suspects (KCS) is crucial for protecting patients' quality of life. Scheimpflug imaging is a commonly used screening device in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a Scheimpflug imaging device (Scansys) for KC and KCS and compared it with other Scheimpflug-based devices (Pentacam and Corvis ST). This prospective case-control study included 107 normal eyes, 72 KCS, and 57 KC. Scansys screening index Keratoconus probability (KCP) showed excellent performance in diagnosing KC at a cutoff value of 16.4 (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 1.000), with 100% sensitivity and 98.11% specificity. KCP had a better KCS diagnostic ability at a cutoff value of 8.9 (AUROC = 0.813) than Corvis biomechanical index (CBI, AUROC = 0.764), reaching 67.61% sensitivity and 85.85% specificity. Pentacam screening index Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display deviation (BAD-D) showed the best performance with 92.96% sensitivity and 89.62% specificity at a cutoff value of 1.525 (AUROC = 0.970) in diagnosing KCS. Scansys provides accurate KCP parameters in diagnosing KC; however, the efficiency of diagnosing KCS should be further optimized.

Algorithm and software for field distortion correction in a commercial SD-OCT for corneal curvature assessment

Accurate assessment of corneal curvatures using frequency domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) with galvanometer scanners remains challenging due to the well-known scan field distortion. This paper presents an algorithm and software for correcting the distortion using only two simple measurements in which a readily available standard sphere is positioned in different depths in front of the OCT scanner. This offers a highly accessible and easily reproducible method for the field distortion correction (FDC). The correction was validated by measuring different spherical phantoms and conducting corneal curvature measurements of ex vivo porcine corneas using a commercial spectral-domain OCT system and a clinically approved swept-source OCT as a reference instrument. Thus, the error in radius measurements of spherical phantoms was reduced by >90% and astigmatism by >80% using FDC. In explanted porcine eyes, the error in astigmatism measurements with the Telesto was reduced by 75% for power and 70% for angle. The best fitting sphere radius was determined up to a deviation of 0.4% from the Anterion. This paper describes a correction algorithm for OCT immanent distortion that is applicable to any scanning OCT setup and enables precise corneal curvature measurements. The MATLAB software for the FDC is publicly available on GitHub.

Comparison of a New Scheimpflug Camera and Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomographer for Measurements of Anterior Segment Parameters

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the differences and agreement between a new Scheimpflug camera (Scansys) and a swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomographer (CASIA 2) for measurements of the anterior segment of the eye in normal subjects.

METHODS

This prospective study included 84 eyes from 84 normal adult subjects who underwent three consecutive measurements with the Scansys and the CASIA 2 in random order. The mean keratometry (Km), astigmatism magnitude (AST), J0, and J45 vectors for both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were obtained by both devices. The difference between these two devices was assessed using paired t test and violin plots. Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) were used to evaluate agreement.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between the two devices were found for the anterior AST, anterior J45, and posterior J45 (P > 0.05). The remaining parameters were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05), but the differences not clinically significant. The violin plots showed that the distribution and probability density of the measured parameters were similar for both devices. Bland-Altman plots revealed high agreement for the measured parameters between the Scansys and CASIA 2, with narrow 95% LoAs.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of assessing parameters for the anterior segment, our study indicated that Scansys and CASIA 2 generally showed significant agreement. The two devices used in this study's assessment of all the parameters can be used interchangeably in refractive analysis.

Repeatability and agreement between a reference Scheimpflug tomographer and a low-cost Scheimpflug system

PURPOSE

To assess the repeatability and agreement between Scheimpflug-based corneal topographers, Scansys and Pentacam, in measuring ocular parameters in myopic eyes.

SETTING

Grade-A tertiary hospital in Beijing, China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The following measurements were performed in 204 subjects undergoing preoperative examinations for refractive surgery from the corneal curvature, astigmatism, corneal thickness, corneal volume, corneal asphericity, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and volume (ACV), and pupil diameters. Repeatability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% CI, Cronbach α, coefficient of variation, within-subject SD, test-retest repeatability, and 1-way analysis of variance (1-way analysis of variance). The interdevice agreement was determined using paired t test and Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Scansys showed good repeatability in the anterior and posterior corneal flattest meridian (Kf), steepest meridian (Ks), and mean (Km); axis of anterior corneal Ks; anterior corneal astigmatism; pupil central corneal thickness (CCT); CCT; corneal apex thickness; thinnest corneal thickness; corneal volume; photopic pupil diameter; ACD; and ACV. In the agreement study, Bland-Altman plots showed that 95% limit of agreement of corneal curvature, pupil CCT, corneal apex thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, and corneal volume generated by Scansys and Pentacam were narrow. There were no statistically significant differences in the anterior corneal Kf and Km.

CONCLUSIONS

Scansys showed good repeatability in measuring corneal curvature of anterior and posterior surfaces, anterior corneal astigmatism, corneal thickness, corneal volume, photopic pupil diameter, ACV, and ACD. Scansys and Pentacam can only be used interchangeably in measuring anterior corneal curvature.

Role of swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography in imaging pediatric cataract

Purpose

To determine the morphology of pediatric cataracts and assess the status of the anterior and posterior capsules preoperatively on swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) and compare the findings to those of intraoperative examination. Secondly, we aimed to obtain biometric measurements on ASOCT and compare them to those obtained on A-scan/optical methods.

Methods

This was a prospective and observational study carried out at a tertiary care referral institute. ASOCT scans for anterior segment were obtained preoperatively for all patients, aged <8 years, scheduled for paediatric cataract surgery. The morphology of the lens and capsule and biometry were performed on ASOCT and the same were assessed intraoperatively. The main outcome measures were comparison of ASOCT findings to intraoperative findings.

Results

The study included 33 eyes of 29 patients (range 3 months-8 years). The morphological characterization of cataract on ASOCT was accurate in 31/33 (94%) cases. ASOCT accurately identified fibrosis and rupture of the anterior and posterior capsules in 32/33 (97%) cases each. In 30% of eyes, ASOCT gave additional information preoperatively compared to the slit lamp. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation revealed a good agreement between the keratometry values obtained on ASOCT and those obtained preoperatively with a handheld/optical keratometer (ICC = 0.86, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

ASOCT is a valuable tool that could provide complete preoperative information of the lens and capsule in pediatric cataract cases. In children as young as 3 months of age, intraoperative risks and surprises could be diminished. The keratometric readings are highly dependent on patient cooperation but show good agreement with the handheld/optical keratometer readings.

Comparative Analysis of Corneal Parameters Performed with GalileiG6 and OCT Casia 2

BACKGROUNDS

To compare keratometry (Ks and Kf), astigmatism (Ast.), and the astigmatism axes (Ax.) of the posterior surface of the cornea; the total, central cornea thickness (CCT); and the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) measured using two different measurement methods.

METHODS

Patients qualified for cataract surgery at the Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Medical Science in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, were included in the study and monitored with the following two devices: OCT-CASIA2 and Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer GalileiG6. Our work was a randomized, prospective study in which compliance with the agreement of measurements between the devices was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients (62 females and 48 males) were examined. Overall, 100 eyes of patients that qualified for cataract surgery were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant difference was observed for Total-Ks and Total-Kf. A significant difference was observable for the following parameters: total Ks-ax, total Kf-ax, the total power of astigmatism, and in all parameters of the part of the cornea and corneal thickness (CCT and TCT).

CONCLUSIONS

The measurements obtained using Casia2 and the Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer GalileiG6 were significantly different and not interchangeable except for total Ks and Kf.

Relationship between Diurnal Variation in Intraocular Pressure and Central Corneal Power

SIGNIFICANCE

Relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) change and central corneal curvature is complicated by measurement techniques and corneal biomechanical parameters. Findings from this study indicate that it is worthwhile to observe the association between diurnal change in IOP and corneal power.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the diurnal change in IOP and central corneal power among eyes with and without myopia.

METHODS

Sixty healthy eyes of 24 emmetropes and 36 myopes were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Both anterior and posterior central corneal powers of the steep (Ks), flat (Kf), mean meridian (Km), best-fit spheres, and central corneal thickness were recorded followed by the IOP (Goldmann-correlated IOP [IOPg] and corneal-compensated IOP) and corneal biomechanics (corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor). Measurements were obtained every 3 hours from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm . Linear-mixed model was used to determine the relationship between the change in IOP and the associated change in corneal measurements (adjusted for age, sex, refractive error, central corneal thickness, and biomechanics) among the myopic and nonmyopic eyes.

RESULTS

Group mean, amplitude of change, and the diurnal change in IOPg were (mean ± standard deviation) 15.14 ± 2.50, 3.33 ± 1.44, and 1.81 ± 1.25 mmHg, respectively. Overall, an IOP increase was associated with a decrease in the adjusted anterior corneal powers. Myopic eyes were associated with a decrease of 0.04 D (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07 to 0.01 D; P = .02) in Ks and 0.03 D (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.001 D; P = .047) in Kf per mmHg increase in IOP, whereas for emmetropes, per mmHg increase in IOP only flattened the Kf by 0.03 D (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.004 D; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Change in anterior corneal power was inversely related to the change in IOPg, with myopic and nonmyopic eyes reporting a significant but differential impact of IOP. Clinicians must keep in mind the impact of large IOP fluctuation on the anterior corneal power.

Inter-changeability Between Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and Scheimpflug Imaging in the Evaluation of Corneal Opacity

Purpose

To compare the results of corneal evaluation, either the total corneal thickness and corneal opacity depth by both technologies AS- OCT and Scheimpflug imaging by Sirius Scheimpflug placido topography.

Methods

sixty-eight eyes of sixty- eight consecutive patients with corneal opacities were examined by both AS-OCT and Sirius Scheimpflug imaging. Corneal thickness and corneal opacity depth were measured and compared determining the interchangeability using Bland–Altman plotting.

Results

Total corneal thickness was (470.32±62.10) and (463.47±56.47) by AS. OCT and Sirius Scheimpflug imaging, respectively (P value = 0.8).

While the actual measurement of corneal opacity, corneal opacity depth was (135.39±119) and (85.45±128) by AS-OCT and Siris Scheimpflug imaging respectively with P value (0.004).

Conclusion

AS-OCT and Scheimpflug imaging Sirius may be used interchangeably for measuring both total corneal thickness, while in the determination of corneal opacity depth. the AS-OCT is superior to Scheimpflug imaging in the accuracy of determination of actual boundaries of the corneal opacity.

Anterior Ocular Biometrics Using Placido-scanning-slit system, Rotating Scheimpflug Tomography, and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

To compare anterior biometry measurements using placido-scanning-slit topography, rotating Scheimpflug tomography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Methods

A retrospective review consisted of 80 eyes of 49 participants who underwent anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and keratometry examination on the same day. We used placido-scanning-slit topography (ORBscan II), rotating Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam HR), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (CASIA SS-1000). The intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement and differences between measurements.

Results

The mean ACD values were 2.88 ± 0.43, 2.82 ± 0.50, and 2.68 ± 0.44 mm; and the mean CCT values were 536.96 ± 31.19, 543.79 ± 31.04, and 561.41 ± 32.60 μm; and the mean keratometry (Km) were 43.81 ± 1.69, 43.81 ± 1.77, and 44.65 ± 1.95 diopters; as measured by CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II, respectively. Among the three devices, ACD was deepest to shallowest in the order of CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II (p < 0.05). The CCT was thickest to thinnest in the order of ORBscan II, Pentacam HR, and CASIA SS-1000 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in Km values were examined between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR, whereas ORBscan II overestimated Km with a statistically significant difference compared to the other two devices.

Conclusions

High level of agreement was found between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR for anterior parameters, including ACD, CCT, and Km, suggesting interchangeability. However, ORBscan II measurements differed considerably with the measurements obtained from the other two devices; therefore, it should not be used interchangeably. However, further studies with repeatability test should be considered in order to elucidate the reliability of each device.

Agreement and Repeatability of Corneal Thickness and Radius among Three Different Corneal Measurement Devices

SIGNIFICANCE

Corneal refractive surgery screening, orthokeratology, and contact lens fitting require accurate estimation of the corneal thickness and curvature. We found that any of the imaging devices used in this study can be used to image a healthy myopic cornea, which is essential to screen for corneal ectasia.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare agreement and repeatability of corneal thickness and radius measurements obtained using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR), swept-source optical coherence tomography (Casia SS-1000), and Placido-Scheimpflug tomography (Topographic Modeling System, version 5 [TMS-5]).

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 subjects with myopia were measured with Casia, TMS-5, and Pentacam for their central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness, central corneal radius of the steep meridian (Ks), central corneal radius of the flat meridian (Kf), mean central corneal radius (Km), and anterior and posterior best-fit spheres. Two readings were obtained from each instrument. Central corneal thickness was also measured with ultrasound pachymetry. Intraclass correlation coefficient, repeatability coefficient, and coefficient of variation were calculated.

RESULTS

Repeatability coefficient, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient of CCT among the instruments ranged between 2.48 and 12.79, 0.17 and 0.86, and 0.98 and 1.00, respectively. Mean CCT measurements were similar between Casia, TMS-5, Pentacam, and ultrasound pachymetry (P = .13). Intraclass range of correlation for agreement was 0.95 to 0.99 for CCT among instruments. The range of 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) for ultrasound CCT was narrowest with Casia (31.94 μm). Casia-TMS-5 displayed a narrow range of 95% LoA for CCT (12.14 to -12.44), thinnest corneal thickness (12.31 to -11.31), and Ks (0.56 to -0.53), whereas Casia-Pentacam showed a narrow range of 95% LoA for Kf (0.56 to -0.42), Km (0.41 to -0.27), and anterior best-fit sphere (0.03 to -0.07). A significant difference in posterior best-fit sphere measurements was noted among all instruments (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Casia, TMS-5, and Pentacam can be used interchangeably to measure corneal thickness and radius measurement in healthy eyes. Casia had the best agreement with ultrasound pachymeter CCT and exhibited the highest repeatability.

Agreement and repeatability of corneal tomography in healthy eyes using a novel Swept-Source optical coherence tomographer, a rotating Scheimpflug camera and a dual Scheimpflug-Placido system

PURPOSE

To investigate the accordance and repeatability of tomographic parameters measured by a novel Swept-Source optical coherence tomographer (SS-OCT, ANTERION), a rotating Scheimpflug camera (RSC, Pentacam) and a dual Scheimpflug-Placido system (DSP, Galilei G6).

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology of Univ. Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.

DESIGN

Prospective reliability analysis.

METHODS

Thirty randomly selected eyes of 30 healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Normal tomography were ensured by bilaterally evaluating appropriated parameters using RSC. All subjects received three consecutive measurements on each device by the same operator and in the uniform order RSC, SS-OCT and DSP. Anterior (ACP) and posterior (PCP) corneal parameters such as flat and steep keratometry and corneal thickness were analyzed. Repeatability was assessed by using a coefficient of repeatability (CR) and a coefficient of variation (CV). Agreement between RSC and SS-OCT as well as RSC and DSP were shown by Bland-Altman plots (BA).

RESULTS

CR of ACP did not exceed 0.5 D. There were no statistical differences in repeatability of ACP obtained from the three devices (P>0.05). For PCP and corneal thickness there was statistically significant higher repeatability mostly found for SS-OCT as opposed to RSC and DSP (P<0.05). For a wide range of analyzed parameters there were large limits of agreement (95%-LoA) found between the devices.

CONCLUSION

The SS-OCT showed highly repeatable measurements in healthy subjects regarding anterior, posterior and corneal thickness parameters. Repeatability of ACP did not differ between the devices. A mostly wide range of 95%-LoA prevents interchangeability between the devices.

Comparison of corneal thickness measurements using ultrasound pachymetry, noncontact tonopachy, Pentacam HR, and Fourier-domain OCT

We retrospectively compared the central corneal thickness (CCT) obtained by ultrasound pachymetry (USP; SP-3000, Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan), non-contact tonopachy (TP) (NT-530P, Nidek Co., Ltd., Gamagori, Japan), Pentacam HR (OCULUS Inc., Wetzlar, Germany), and RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) in 78 eyes of 78 healthy subjects with myopia. Agreement between the measurement methods was evaluated using 95% confidence intervals for the limits of agreement (LoA). The mean CCT values were 546.9 ± 34.7, 548.1 ± 33.5, 559.2 ± 34.0, and 547.2 ± 34.8 μm for USP, non-contact TP, Pentacam, and RTVue, respectively. The thickest and the thinnest mean CCT values corresponded to those obtained by Pentacam HR and USP, respectively. Plots of the differences against the means showed the best agreement between USP and RTVue (LoA, 10.14-10.70 μm), while the largest discrepancy was observed between RTVue and Pentacam systems (LoA, -25.47-1.44 μm). Our data showed that CCT measurements using these 4 instruments were well correlated. However, the results from Pentacam differed significantly from those of the other instruments.

The progress in corneal translational medicine

Cornea tissue is in high demand by tissue donation centres globally, and thus tissue engineering cornea, which is the main topic of corneal translational medicine, can serve as a limitless alternative to a donated human cornea tissue. Tissue engineering aims to produce solutions to the challenges associated with conventional cornea tissue, including transplantation and use of human amniotic membrane (HAM), which have issues with storage and immune rejection in patients. Accordingly, by carefully selecting biomaterials and fabrication methods to produce these therapeutic tissues, the demand for cornea tissue can be met, with an improved healing outcome for recipients with less associated harmful risks. In this review paper, we aim to present the recent advancements in the research and clinical applications of cornea tissue, applications including biomaterial selection, fabrication methods, scaffold structure, cellular response to these scaffolds, and future advancements of these techniques.