Reproducibility important in glaucoma imaging

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Although there are pros and cons of imaging in different areas of the eye, competitively comparing imaging techniques is not as important as generating an overall picture to assist the clinician in making an accurate diagnosis, said Ran Zeimer, PhD.

Quantitative methods to assess glaucomatous damage vary, and there is a lack of tools to assess the evidence of accuracy. Consistent reproducibility in individual patients is important, Dr. Zeimer said in a presentation here at the International Society for Imaging in the Eye meeting.

“Although it is useful, macular and peripapillary biometry cannot currently be used alone for an unequivocal diagnosis of glaucoma,” Dr. Zeimer said. “Macular and peripapillary biometry, with high reproducibility, promise to be valuable in assessing progression.”

It is still important to meet directly with clinicians to interpret the results of the biometry and measure the function, he said.

“The responsibility is on us and the industry to show that there is relevance between imaging and the function of the patients,” Dr. Zeimer said.