Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph - HRT
HRT stands for Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph - A state of the art diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. The HRT is a type of scanning laser ophthalmoscope which uses a low powered laser and a powerful computer to build up a three dimensional picture of the optic nerve or other structures in the back of the eye. The results are printed on a colour printer and the doctor can use this information to aid diagnosis, to monitor possible progression of disease and to assess the effect of treatment. The results are also stored on the computer so that if a subsequent test is required any changes can be evaluated by the computer as well as the doctor.
There is no dangerous radiation and there are no side effects whatsoever from this test.
The test is very brief (less than ten minutes in most cases) and will not affect your vision or driving ability in any way. In most cases, you do not need to have your pupils dilated. You can think of it as having your 'optic pictures' taken.
If you are taking Pilocarpine or Timpilo 2% or 4%, you should stop these drops 24 hours prior to the test.
There is no 'pass or fail' on this test. Your doctor will evaluate the results and discuss them with you on your next visit.
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