Agreement in Assessing Glaucomatous Discs in a Clinical Teaching Setting with Stereoscopic Disc Photographs, Planimetry, and Laser Scanning Tomography

Abstract

Substantial agreement between observers can be achieved when estimating cup/disc ratio with stereoscopic optic nerve head photographs and with planimetric measurements of cup/disc ratios, provided there is a standard protocol and sufficient training period. Good agreement is critical in a teaching institution to ensure accurate follow-up care of patients with glaucoma, especially if patients are examined by different clinicians. Laser scanning tomography is a more repeatable and objective method, which may provide further standardization of optic nerve head assessments. Future studies will determine the reference plane that optimizes agreement between the HRT findings and each clinician's estimations.