Welcome to LEDC>Patient Information>Heidelberg Retinal Tomography
Heidelberg Retinal TomographyPurpose:
To analyse the structure of the optic nerve head at the back of the eye. If the pressure of fluids inside the eye is too great, the nerve fibres at the back of the eye can become crushed. This effect is most noticeable where the nerve fibres bundle together to form the optic nerve. The Heidelberg machine enables us to create a 3-dimensional model of the optic nerve head, which we can analyse to look for damage. This test may be repeated after an interval to see if change is happening.
The first time you have this test performed, we need some additional information about the eye to help analyse the images. We will take measurements of the radius of curvature of the front of the eye and measure the strength of your distance glasses, if you use them. Having placed your chin on a chin-rest, you will be directed to look into the lens on the front of the machine. You will see a bright red light. This light will flicker while the image is being taken. The scan itself takes a couple of seconds.
Please allow about 20 minutes. The test may take longer if there is a poor view of the optic nerve head, which can happen if there are other problems with the eye.
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