Factors affecting signal strength in spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

We found that older age, poorer BCVA, greater degree of myopia and presence of cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts were associated with reduced signal strength in Cirrus SD-OCT. Our findings provide information on the barriers to obtaining good image quality when using SD-OCT, and allow clinicians to potentially identify individuals who are more likely to have unreliable OCT measurements.

Artificial intelligence deep learning algorithm for discriminating ungradable optical coherence tomography three-dimensional volumetric optic disc scans

“…6 For the Cirrus high-definition SDOCT, image quality is indicated by SS ranging from 0 (worst quality) to 10 (best quality), representing the average of signal intensity of SDOCT volumetric scans, and scans with SS of 6 or above are usually defined as sufficient for further analysis. [7][8][9] However, even with acceptable SS, it is still hard to assess other SDOCT image quality issues, such as off-centration, out of registration, signal loss, motion artifacts, mirror artifacts, or blurriness of SDOCT volumetric data. 3 Such image quality assessment indeed requires highly trained operators and interpreters with specialized knowledge in SDOCT, which is a big challenge due to the lack of manpower and insufficient training time in clinics.…”

Comparison of SDOCT Scan Types for Grading Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers and Other Morphologic Features of Diabetic Macular Edema

“…Nonetheless, the correlation of overall DRIL extent was good between OP and HR scans, and normalized absolute differences suggest similar grading results between OP and Cirrus Cube or 5-Line scans. Finally, patient factors that can result in decreased image quality, such as incomplete pupillary dilation or corneal desiccation, were not evaluated, 27 – 29 but these were expected to be similar for serial scans obtained for each patient. The order in which the scans were taken was changed between the patients to minimize the effects of reduced tear film or patient fatigue.…”

Clinical validation of the RTVue optical coherence tomography angiography image quality indicators

“…Various factors have been shown to affect the scan quality in SD‐OCT such as older age, poor vision, high myopia and astigmatism, cortical and post‐sub‐capsular cataract and other eye pathology . Say et al evaluated image quality and the frequency of artefacts in both eyes of patients with unilateral choroidal melanoma using the 3 mm protocol on Optovue OCTA.…”