“Can optometrists treat glaucoma, or should I go to an ophthalmologist?”
I'm not diagnosed with glaucoma, but I noticed that my eye appointments do consist of a test to see if I do have glaucoma at an optometrist's office. Do they treat this disorder, or just diagnose it? If I do develop glaucoma, which eye doctor would I be referred to?
13 Answers
You should definitely see an ophthalmologist.
I am biased, being a Neuro-ophthalmologist. I would seek the attention of a general Ophthalmologist and follow up visual field and intraocular pressure testing (and optical coherence tomographic scans should also be done at least twice yearly if not 3 times a year) possibly could be done by a good Optometrist but I would at least see an MD once a year. If progression continues, you should seek a glaucoma specialist (also an MD)
A general or comprehensive ophthalmologist is the best place to start if you are concerned about glaucoma.
Yes, medical optometrists treat glaucoma as well as perform many eye surgeries, too.
Think of the eyeball as being inflated by fluid that is produced inside and then has to filter out keeping the eye inflated at a certain pressure so that, like a camera, it can take a good picture and transmit the image to the brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma involves an increased pressure in the eye, which alone, if over 25 means opportunity for progressive injury to the optic nerve. The optic nerve needs to be examined carefully and regularly, hopefully with a good examination through a pupil dilated with drops, but can be done better examined with a camera (through a dilated pupil) with a special OCT without dilation. If there are changes, even if the pressure is normal, this can mean glaucoma. Finally the "transmission to the brain" can be examined by a visual field (testing peripheral vision) which should be done regularly if there are any changes in the other two measures.
Go to an ophthalmologist or better, a glaucoma eye specialist
An optometrist is licensed to test for and diagnose glaucoma. In some states they are allowed to prescribe drugs but not do laser or surgery. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye diseases and can both diagnose and treat glaucoma with medications, laser and surgery- ie “one stop care”.
If you develop glaucoma, then I would recommend seeing an ophthalmologist.
Sincerely, Sean Adrean MD, FAAO Retina Consultants of Orange County
Sincerely, Sean Adrean MD, FAAO Retina Consultants of Orange County
Optometrists can diagnose and medically treat glaucoma . For laser or surgical options you need to see an ophthalmologist
In most cases, ophthalmologists are better trained.
Glaucoma is a complex disorder which can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. As an ophthalmologist with 45 years of experience, I have seen too many patients under treated by well meaning optometrists who have diagnosed the disease, but in whom the disease has continued to progress.
I now will see all patients, but if glaucoma is suspected or diagnosed, I will refer them to an associate within our practice whose practice is devoted to glaucoma. He keeps abreast of all the nuances of modern treatment for glaucoma. If a patient has a cataract and has glaucoma, I would refer that patient to the doctor who can treat both diseases simultaneously by surgery. While I will use an Istent to reduce or eliminate eyedrops, if there is visual field loss or severe cupping, I will refer the patient for one of the many newer surgeries for the disease of glaucoma.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
I now will see all patients, but if glaucoma is suspected or diagnosed, I will refer them to an associate within our practice whose practice is devoted to glaucoma. He keeps abreast of all the nuances of modern treatment for glaucoma. If a patient has a cataract and has glaucoma, I would refer that patient to the doctor who can treat both diseases simultaneously by surgery. While I will use an Istent to reduce or eliminate eyedrops, if there is visual field loss or severe cupping, I will refer the patient for one of the many newer surgeries for the disease of glaucoma.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Glaucoma diagnosis can be routine and an optometrist makes the diagnosis accurately. A medical expert confirmation is always advised to be sure other factors do not complicate management. Optometry has offered more widespread needed care.
All depends on the state laws. In some states, they can diagnose and treat and in some state they can not prescribe medications. Overall, if you have glaucoma, you are better off with an ophthalmologist specialized in glaucoma. They have the latest tools to treat and prevent damages.
Darab Hormozi, MD
Darab Hormozi, MD
