Utility of Heidelberg retinal tomography as a screening tool for analyzing retinal nerve fiber layer defects.

Context: Although Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT)-generated topographic images have been studied extensively for the detection of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects, little is known about the role of HRT-generated surface reflectivity images in the detection of RNFL defects in either patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspects.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of HRT version II (HRT II) optic nerve reflectivity images in uncovering RNFL defects in an outpatient population evaluated for glaucoma.

Study Design/materials And Methods: In 102 consecutive eyes from 60 patients evaluated for glaucoma in an academic-based practice, HRT II optic nerve images were prospectively imaged and compared with clinical optic nerve exam techniques to see if HRT II was able to detect RNFL defects overlooked in clinical practice.