HRT assists with early detection of glaucoma

Dossenheim, Germany-The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) can help predict the development of glaucoma in eyes that appear otherwise normal, by standard clinical exam, according to one published study.

Researchers at the Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California at San Diego used the HRT to measure 865 eyes (438 patients) with elevated IOP. Each participant had baseline optic disc images taken using the HRT and annual follow-up images. Although none of the participants showed evidence of disease using stereo optic disc assessment or visual field testing at initial assessment, 36 patients developed primary open-angle glaucoma in one or both eyes (41 eyes total).

Results of the study, funded by the National Eye Institute, were published in the September issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers, led by Linda Zangwill, PhD, and Robert Weinreb, MD, found the HRT's Moorfields Regression Analysis of the superior temporal region had the highest positive predictive value for glaucoma, at 40%.