Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to compare linear fundal landmarks measurements of standard photographic film with colour digital fundal images.
Methods Pairs of fundus fluorescein images were acquired with a digital system and photographic film on 10 patients. Each pair of images was assessed independently by two observers who calculated the distance between two selected points on each image using easily identifiable landmarks. Measurements made using film images were compared to measurements made using the corresponding digital images. Agreement between the two methods of measurements was assessed using a linear correlation and graphical method.
Results The patients were divided into two groups based on the field setting on the digital software. In Group 1, the correlation coefficient was 0.99 and in Group 2 it was 0.98, indicating a high level of agreement between measurements with the computer measuring tool for digital images compared to photographic films using a standard reticule.
Conclusion On the basis of the strong correlation between linear fundal landmark measurements between standard photographic film and colour digital fundal images, we conclude that the measurements from the digital images are acceptable for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Although there was a tendency for the measurements to be less accurate with increasing distances measured.
Similar content being viewed by others
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Mimoun G, Soubrane G, Coscas G . Clinical experience with digitised fluorescein angiography. Int Ophthalmol 1991; 15: 41–46.
Iester M, Mochi B, Lai S, Rathschuler F, Rolando M, Ciurlo G . Intraimage reproducibility of measurements in the macular area using a computerized system. Int Ophthalmol 1997; 21: 153–159.
Bird AC, Bressler NM, Bressler SB, Chisholm IH, Coscas G, Davis MD . An international classification and grading system for age-related maculopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Survey Ophthalmol 1995; 395: 367–374.
Bland JM, Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet 1986; 307–310.
Lee J, Koh D, Ong CN . Statistical evaluation of agreement between two methods for measuring a quantitative variable. Comput Biol Med 1989; 191: 61–70.
Arnold JV, Gates WC, Taylor KM . Possible errors in the measurement of retinal lesions. Invest Ophthamol Vis Sci 1993; 348: 2576–2580.
Rudnicka AR, Burk ROW, Habil M, Edgar DF, Fitzke FW . Magnification characteristics of fundal imaging systems. Ophthalmology 1998; 105: 2186–2192.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Musadiq, M., Patsoura, E., Hughes, S. et al. Measurements of linear dimensions on fundus photographs: comparison between photographic film and digital systems. Eye 17, 619–622 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6700418
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6700418
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
A Method for Determining Skeletal Lengths from DXA Images
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2007)
-
Statistical strategies to assess reliability in ophthalmology
Eye (2006)
-
Reply
Eye (2005)
-
Statistical analysis of agreement in measurement comparison studies
Eye (2005)


