To date, with proper medical care, glaucoma may be treated and controlled. Since most people with glaucoma experience no noticeable symptoms, an eye examination for glaucoma including specialized testing is the most important tool in preventing vision loss from the disease. During your exam, your doctor may determine that the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph test is needed.

The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph is a system that combines a laser scanning camera and specialized software that evaluates the optic nerve. The HRT may diagnose glaucoma years before symptoms become apparent to the patient. The HRT gives measurements of size, depth and shape of the optic nerve and is especially useful at detecting small changes over time.

The HRT exam takes just a few moments; it is a painless, non-invasive test and dilation of the eye is usually not necessary. The HRT is an accurate way to follow your progress and your doctor may order repeat exams periodically to check your progress.