Repeatability and reproducibility of Cobra HD fundus camera meibography in young adults with and without symptoms of dry eye

PurposeThe inter-session repeatability (ISR), inter-examiner reproducibility (IER) and within-subject variability (WSV) of the Cobra HD fundus camera meibographer were examined in participants with and without dry eye symptoms. MethodsSymptoms were determined based on Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (>= 13 being considered symptomatic), and subgroups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Images of meibomian glands (MGs) from the upper and lower right eyelids were captured by two examiners on the same day (S1) to determine IER. One examiner repeated the measurements on a second day (S2) to obtain the ISR. ISR, IER and WSV were calculated using Friedman, correlation tests and Bland and Altman analyses with mean differences (md) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), within-subject standard deviations (Sw) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). ResultsThe ISR experiment included 72 participants (mean age: 23 +/- 5 years, range: 19-43, 36 symptomatic). Mean MG loss of the upper (S1: 13.5 +/- 9.5%, S2: 12.8 +/- 8.5%) and lower eyelids (S1: 7.5 +/- 6.9%, S2: 7.3 +/- 6.3%) was not significantly different between sessions for all participants, symptomatic and asymptomatic subgroups for both eyelids. The ISR Sw for the upper and lower eyelids was 1.3% and 1.0%; md was 0.7 +/- 3.5% (CI:-6.25% to 7.62%) and 0.1 +/- 2.1% (CI: -3.94% to 4.17%), respectively. The IER experiment included 74 participants (mean age: 23 +/- 5 years, range: 19-43, 37 symptomatic). Mean MG loss of the upper (Examiner 1: 12.7 +/- 8.2%, Examiner 2: 13.1 +/- 8.0%) and lower eyelids (Examiner 1: 7.0 +/- 6.2%, Examiner 2: 7.4 +/- 6.2%) was not significantly different between examiners for all participants, symptomatic and asymptomatic subgroups for both eyelids. The IER ICC values were >0.86 for all conditions, Sw was 1.3% and 1.2%, with a md of -0.4 +/- 3.2% (CI: -6.65% to 5.90%) and -0.4 +/- 2.9% (CI: -6.15% to 5.31%), respectively. The WSV Sw values were <1.4%, and ICC values were >0.89 for both eyelids, examiners and experimental sessions. ConclusionsThe Cobra HD fundus camera demonstrates good repeatability, reproducibility and low WSV, and is a reliable clinical instrument for meibography.

Automated summary

This study examined the repeatability, reproducibility, and within-subject variability of the Cobra HD fundus camera in participants with and without dry eye symptoms. The results showed that the camera demonstrated good repeatability, reproducibility, and low within-subject variability, making it a reliable clinical instrument for meibography.