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Purpose: To determine if the Heidelberg Retinal Laser Tomograph (HRT) and Flowmeter (HRF) can be modified to obtain images in supine patients. Methods: A mount was customized to securely attach the Heidelberg scanning head to an operating microscope stand. This mount was designed to allow rotation for viewing of the macula or optic nerve head region in either eye. The HRT was used to acquire 3 consecutive images of the optic nerve head in supine subjects to obtain a mean topographic image. The HRF was then used to obtain capillary flow measurements in supine subjects. Results: The optic nerve area in either the right or left eye can be safely and easily visualized with the modified Heidelberg system in supine patients for evaluation of optic nerve head topography or capillary flow. However, the configuration of the Heidelberg scanning head requires the images to be taken 180 degrees from the normal orientation of the scanning head to the patient's body. Therefore, the images are rotated 180 degrees from those taken in upright subjects. This must be considered when analyzing the data. Conclusion: The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph and Flowmeter are capable of acquiring images in supine subjects. However, these images are rotated 180 degrees.

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