Survey Of Optometric Management Of Glaucoma And Scleral Indentation.

Background: Glaucoma is an ocular disease with many presentations and variable
outcomes. With no set treatment or protocol to follow, this survey is attempting to enlighten the reader on the standard of care practices for treating and following glaucoma in Michigan. Scleral indentation was added to the survey as it is a growing technique.
Methods: Approximately 950 multiple-choice surveys were mailed to members of the Michigan Optometric Association and 313 surveys were returned anonymously. The data was compiled and analyzed based on mode of practice. Results: The majority of optometrists have standard equipment for diagnosing and managing glaucoma, such as white-on-white visual fields, applanation tonometry, and direct observation of the optic nerve head. Other common pieces of equipment include autorefractors, non-contact tonometers, and color plates. The vast majority of optometrists use prostaglandin analogs as primary treatment of glaucoma. Only approximately one third of optometrists perform scleral indentation.
Conclusions: The results of this survey show many of the commonalities of optometrists
in Michigan regarding diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma, popular office equipment, and scleral indentation. The results are primarily from private practice and corporate optometrists, as minimal surveys were returned from optometrists