Intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract.

PURPOSE: To determine intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract.

METHODS: Ocular ultrasonography was performed on 28 dogs (50 eyes) before phacoemulsification. Lens equatorial length was measured on still images obtained at 35 MHz in all dogs. Each observer (A and B) obtained the measurements independently. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were used to assess intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Intraobserver repeatability was assessed by comparing measurements obtained on the same image on four different occasions by observer A. Interobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing measurements obtained independently by both observers on the same image.

RESULTS: CV used to assess intraobserver repeatability was 2.4% with good agreement and no significant difference between repetitions (P > 0.05). CV used to assess interobserver reproducibility was 5.8% without significant difference between measurements obtained by the two observers (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were considered good for lens equatorial length measurement at 35 MHz in dogs with cataract. Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be an acceptable method to assess lens equatorial dimension before phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in dogs with cataract.