Optic nerve assessment: A clinical endpoint of optic neuropathy

Objective, quantitative, and reproducible methods of optic nerve assessment need to be utilized during research that measures the capability of pharma cological agents to prevent or decrease the rate of progressive ganglion ce ll atrophy occuring with glaucoma. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy h as recently been developed, and offers objective, quantitative, and three-d imensional evaluation of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina. Thi s article reviews the use, application, and parameters of one such instrume nt, the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT). Although HRT offers several meth ods to evaluate changes in optic nerve topography, these applications are s till continually evolving. Therefore, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscop y may be particularly useful for assessing the neuroprotective effect of ne w medications for glaucoma. (Eur J Ophthalmol 1999; 9: S37-S39).