Description and Analysis of OCT, HRT and GDx Diagnostic Technologies in Glaucoma: An Approach to Clinical Optometry

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective</strong><em> To describe and analyze, through a literature review, the OCT (optical coherence tomography), HRT (Heidelberg tomography) and GDx (nerve fiber analyzer) diagnostic technologies in glaucoma, as an approach to clinical optometry. <em><strong>Materials and methods</strong><em> A systematic primary literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Elsevier, among others literary texts related to the subject, written in English, Spanish and Portuguese, were also included. The information was selected within a period of publication between 2007 and 2014. <em><strong>Conclusion</strong><em> The OCT uses a wavelength of 820 nm, assesses the retina and determines the appearance of the disease HRT works with a 670 nm diode laser and generates three-dimensional images of the optic nerve, making it the most specific diagnostic technology to assess glaucoma GDx employs a 780 nm polarized laser and evaluates the optic nerve, and is therefore ideal for monitoring the disease, as it determines minimal changes. Such equipment has a favorable applicability for detecting and monitoring the glaucoma regardless of what instrument is used, it is essential for the professional have the competence to interpret the results and correlate with a clinical examination.