Intervisit Reproducibility of Foveal Cone Density Metrics

Abstract

Purpose

To assess longitudinal reproducibility of metrics of foveal density (peak cone density [PCD], cone density centroid [CDC], and 80th percentile centroid area) in participants with normal vision.

Methods

Participants ( n = 19; five male and 14 female) were imaged at two time points (average interval of 3.2 years) using an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). Foveally centered regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from AOSLO montages. Cone coordinate matrices were semiautomatically derived for each ROI, and cone mosaic metrics were calculated.

Results

On average, there were no significant changes in cone mosaic metrics between visits. The average ± SD PCD was 187,000 ± 20,000 cones/mm ² and 189,000 ± 21,700 cones/mm ² for visits 1 and 2, respectively ( P = 0.52). The average ± SD density at the CDC was 183,000 ± 19,000 cones/mm ² and 184,000 ± 20,800 cones/mm ² for visits 1 and 2, respectively ( P = 0.78). The average ± SD 80th percentile isodensity contour area was 15,400 ± 1800 µm ² and 15,600 ± 1910 µm ² for visits 1 and 2, respectively ( P = 0.57).

Conclusions

Foveal cone mosaic density metrics were highly reproducible in the cohort examined here, although further study is required in more diverse populations.

Translational Relevance

Determination of the normative longitudinal changes in foveal cone topography is key for evaluating longitudinal measures of foveal cone topography in patients with progressive retinal dystrophies.