title: Classification of semi-automated flare readings using the Kowa FM 700 laser cell flare meter in patients with uveitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To propose a classification system to grade semi-automated flare readings and assess its correlation with clinical flare grading and also to explore the utility of an additional step in clinical flare assessment between grades 0 and 1.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-automated flare readings from 103 eyes with uveitis were taken using the Kowa FM 700 laser flare meter and classified into two models (LFCM and LFCM_1), and introduction of a 0.5 step in flare grading was explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Good correlation was present between the conventional SUN clinical flare and the proposed clinical classification for flare (weighted kappa (WK) = 89.64%, p < 0.001). Semi-automated flare grading (LFCM and LFCM_1) had WK agreement of 82.52% and 79.85% (p < 0.001) with conventional SUN clinical flare grading.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed classification system for semi-automated laser flare readings (LFCM) allows stratification of measurements into grades analogous to clinical flare grades and correlates well with conventional clinical flare grading.
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.|Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.|National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Rupesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Pearse A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Keane
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jasmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Zubin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Saihan
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kontos
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Carlos E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Pavesio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000473:pathology*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000145:classification* / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010783:Photometry / Q000145:classification* / Q000295:instrumentation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014606:Uveitis, Anterior / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: anterior chamber flare; anterior chamber reaction; grading of ocular inflammation; laser flare meter; ocular inflammation; semi-automated laser flare