Aim
Structural analyses of the optic nerve.
In the front of the eye is a space called the anterior chamber. A clear fluid flows continuously in and out of the chamber and nourishes nearby tissues. The fluid leaves the chamber at the open angle where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through a spongy meshwork, like a drain, and leaves the eye.
In open-angle glaucoma, even though the drainage angle is “open”, the fluid passes too slowly through the meshwork drain. Since the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to a level that may damage the optic nerve.
The Heidelberg Retina Tomography uses scanning laser tomography to produce 3- dimensional images, witch allow precise measurements of optic nerve head parameters.
This technology enables to differentiate between normal eyes and glaucomatous eyes even before visual field defects are present It also allows for accurate comparison on follow-up examination.
Procedure
If the test is performed for the first time, additional information is needed. We measure the radius of the eyeball and if the patient wears glasses for distance vision we also measure/ check them. The patient will look at the cameras lens and will see a bright red spot. The spot will vibrate during scanning which will take a few seconds.
Duration
The test will take about 20 minutes. In some, more difficult cases, a little longer.
