Skip to main content

Office Examination of the Glaucoma Patient

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Glaucoma Book
  • 2534 Accesses

Abstract

The initial examination of the patient with presumed glaucoma or glaucoma suspect status should be a problem-focused, enhanced version of the “new” patient set of clinical observations, diagnostic tests, and history taking routinely done by all ophthalmologists. My perspective in this chapter shall be that of a community-based glaucoma subspecialist, working in a group ophthalmology practice. I see patients referred for glaucoma-related diagnostic workup, consultation, and possible treatment. Everything I describe or recommend here should be well within the current or attainable skill sets of most eye care physicians and the facilities of average office environments. This chapter should serve as an informal guide for residents, fellows, and comprehensive ophthalmologists who wish to incorporate evidence-based diagnosis and patient management techniques into their glaucoma practices. I will also consider the occasional need for and use of advanced diagnostic technology that might be available for patients referred to academic medical centers, such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Jacobs EA. Patient centeredness in medical encounters requiring an interpreter. Am J Med. 2000;109(6):515.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Rivadeneyra R, Elderkin-Thompson V, Silver RC, Waitzkin H. Patient centeredness in medical encounters requiring an interpreter. Am J Med. 2000;108(6):470–474.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Takemura Y, Sakurai Y, Yokoya S, et al. Open-ended questions: are they really beneficial for gathering medical information from patients? Tohoku J Exp Med. 2005;206(2):151–154.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Sleath B, Roter D, Chewning B, Svarstad B. Asking questions about medication: analysis of physician-patient interactions and physician perceptions. Med Care. 1999;37(11):1169–1173.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Kaimbo DK, Buntinx F, Missotten L. Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma: a case-control study. J Clin Epidemiol. 2001;54(2):166–171.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Wilson MR, Hertzmark E, Walker AM, Childs-Shaw K, Epstein DL. A case-control study of risk factors in open angle glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 1987;105(8):1066–1071.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Coleman AL, Miglior S. Risk factors for glaucoma onset and progression. Surv Ophthalmol. 2008;53(6 Suppl):S3-S10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Deva NC, Insull E, Gamble G, Danesh-Meyer HV. Risk factors for first presentation of glaucoma with significant visual field loss. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2008;36(3):217–221.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Rivera JL, Bell NP, Feldman RM. Risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma progression: what we know and what we need to know. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2008;19(2):102–106.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Boland MV, Quigley HA. Risk factors and open-angle glaucoma: classification and application. J Glaucoma. 2007;16(4):406–418.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Sommer A. Glaucoma risk factors observed in the Baltimore Eye Survey. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 1996;7(2):93–98.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Brandt JD, Beiser JA, Gordon MO, Kass MA. Central corneal thickness and measured IOP response to topical ocular hypotensive medication in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004;138(5):717–722.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Gordon MO, Beiser JA, Brandt JD, et al. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: baseline factors that predict the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002;120(6):714-720; discussion 829–730.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Brandt JD, Beiser JA, Kass MA, Gordon MO. Central corneal thickness in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS). Ophthalmology. 2001;108(10):1779–1788.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Herndon L. Rethinking pachymetry and intraocular pressure. Rev Ophthalmol. 2002;9:07(7/15/02). <http://www.revophth.com/index.asp?page=1_144.htm>.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Brandt JD. Central corneal thickness, tonometry, and glaucoma risk-a guide for the perplexed. Can J Ophthalmol. 2007;42(4):562–566.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG. Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Bobak SP, Goodwin JA, Guevara RA, Arya A, Grover S. Predictors of visual acuity and the relative afferent pupillary defect in optic neuropathy. Doc Ophthalmol. 1998;97(1):81–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Annette H, Kristina L, Bernd S, Mark-Oliver F, Wolfgang W. Effect of central corneal thickness and corneal hysteresis on tonometry as measured by dynamic contour tonometry, ocular response analyzer, and Goldmann tonometry in glaucomatous eyes. J Glaucoma. 2008;17(5):361–365.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Detry-Morel M. Currents on target intraocular pressure and intraocular pressure fluctuations in glaucoma management. Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol. 2008;308:35–43.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Damji KF, Behki R, Wang L. Canadian perspectives in glaucoma management: setting target intraocular pressure range. Can J Ophthalmol. 2003;38(3):189–197.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Weinreb RN, Liu JH. Nocturnal rhythms of intraocular pressure. Arch Ophthalmol. 2006;124(2):269–270.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Liu JH, Gokhale PA, Loving RT, Kripke DF, Weinreb RN. Laboratory assessment of diurnal and nocturnal ocular perfusion pressures in humans. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2003;19(4):291–297.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Liu JH, Kripke DF, Hoffman RE, et al. Nocturnal elevation of intraocular pressure in young adults. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1998;39(13):2707–2712.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Mosaed S, Liu JH, Weinreb RN. Correlation between office and peak nocturnal intraocular pressures in healthy subjects and glaucoma patients. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005;139(2):320–324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Nakakura S, Nomura Y, Ataka S, Shiraki K. Relation between office intraocular pressure and 24-hour intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma treated with a combination of topical antiglaucoma eye drops. J Glaucoma. 2007;16(2):201–204.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Dev S, Damji KF, DeBacker CM, Cox TA, Dutton JJ, Allingham RR. Decrease in intraocular pressure after orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy. Can J Ophthalmol. 1998;33(6):314–319.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Johnstone MA, Albert DM. Prostaglandin-induced hair growth. Surv Ophthalmol. 2002;47(Suppl 1):S185–202.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Galloway GD, Eke T, Broadway DC. Periocular cutaneous pigmentary changes associated with bimatoprost use. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123(11):1609–1610.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Lagreze WD, Kardon RH. Correlation of relative afferent pupillary defect and estimated retinal ganglion cell loss. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1998;236(6):401–404.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Martin TJ. Horner’s syndrome, Pseudo-Horner’s syndrome, and simple anisocoria. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2007;7(5):397–406.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Adie WJ. Complete and incomplete forms of the benign disorder characterised by tonic pupils and absent tendon reflexes. Br J Ophthalmol. 1932;16(8):449–461.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Lam DS, Tham CC, Lai JS, Leung DY. Current approaches to the management of acute primary angle closure. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2007;18(2):146–151.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. La Hey E, Baarsma GS, De Vries J, Kijlstra A. Clinical analysis of Fuchs’ heterochromic cyclitis. Doc Ophthalmol. 1991;78(3-4):225–235.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. O'Connor GR. Doyne lecture. Heterochromic iridocyclitis. Trans Ophthalmol Soc UK. 1985;104(Pt 3):219–231.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Barr CC, Vine AK, Martonyi CL. Unexplained heterochromia. Intraocular foreign body demonstrated by computed tomography. Surv Ophthalmol. 1984;28(5):409–411.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Weinstein JM, Zweifel TJ, Thompson HS. Congenital Horner’s syndrome. Arch Ophthalmol. 1980;98(6):1074–1078.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Gartner S, Henkind P. Neovascularization of the iris (rubeosis iridis). Surv Ophthalmol. 1978;22(5):291–312.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Ritch R. A unification hypothesis of pigment dispersion syndrome. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1996;94:381-405; discussion 405–389.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Wishart PK, Spaeth GL, Poryzees EM. Anterior chamber angle in the exfoliation syndrome. Br J Ophthalmol. 1985;69(2):103–107.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Laganowski HC, Kerr Muir MG, Hitchings RA. Glaucoma and the iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110(3):346–350.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Bonfioli AA, Orefice F. Sarcoidosis. Semin Ophthalmol. 2005;20(3):177–182.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Miki A, Saishin Y, Kuwamura R, Ohguro N, Tano Y. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography assessment of iris bombe before and after laser iridotomy in patients with uveitic secondary glaucoma. Acta Ophthalmol. 2008 October 24 [epub ahead of print].

    Google Scholar 

  44. Bruno CA, Alward WL. Gonioscopy in primary angle closure glaucoma. Semin Ophthalmol. 2002;17(2):59–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Spencer NA, Hall AJ, Stawell RJ. Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in uveitic glaucoma. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2001;29(4):217–219.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Nichols JJ, Nichols KK, Puent B, Saracino M, Mitchell GL. Evaluation of tear film interference patterns and measures of tear break-up time. Optom Vis Sci. 2002;79(6):363–369.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Paschides CA, Kitsios G, Karakostas KX, Psillas C, Moutsopoulos HM. Evaluation of tear break-up time, Schirmer's-I test and rose bengal staining as confirmatory tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1989;7(2):155–157.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Noecker R. Effects of common ophthalmic preservatives on ocular health. Adv Ther. 2001;18(5):205–215.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Leung EW, Medeiros FA, Weinreb RN. Prevalence of ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients. J Glaucoma. 2008;17(5):350–355.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Korb DR, Herman JP, Finnemore VM, Exford JM, Blackie CA. An evaluation of the efficacy of fluorescein, rose bengal, lissamine green, and a new dye mixture for ocular surface staining. Eye Contact Lens. 2008;34(1):61–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Feenstra RP, Tseng SC. What is actually stained by rose bengal? Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110(7):984–993.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Calhoun FP Jr. Pigmentary glaucoma and its relation to Krukenberg's spindles. Am J Ophthalmol. 1953;36(10):1398–1415.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Posner A, Schlossman A. Syndrome of unilateral recurrent attacks of glaucoma with cyclitic symptoms. Arch Ophthal. 1948;39(4):517–535.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Pillai CT, Dua HS, Azuara-Blanco A, Sarhan AR. Evaluation of corneal endothelium and keratic precipitates by specular microscopy in anterior uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000;84(12):1367–1371.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Jones NP. Fuchs’ heterochromic uveitis: a reappraisal of the clinical spectrum. Eye. 1991;5(Pt 6):649–661.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Moorthy RS, Mermoud A, Baerveldt G, Minckler DS, Lee PP, Rao NA. Glaucoma associated with uveitis. Surv Ophthalmol. 1997;41(5):361–394.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Adamis AP, Filatov V, Tripathi BJ, Tripathi RC. Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy of the cornea. Surv Ophthalmol. 1993;38(2):149–168.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Brooks AM, Grant G, Gillies WE. A comparison of corneal endothelial morphology in cornea guttata, Fuchs' dystrophy and bullous keratopathy. Aust NZ J Ophthalmol. 1988;16(2):93–100.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Kayes J, Holmberg A. The fine structure of the cornea in Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol. 1964;3:47–67.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Jakus MA. Further observations on the fine structure of the cornea. Invest Ophthalmol. 1962;1:202–225.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Shields MB, ed. Glaucomas associated with intraocular hemorrhage and glaucomas associated with ocular trauma. In: Textbook of Glaucoma. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins; 1992:381–399.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Kloek C, Brauner S, Chen TC. Corneal blood staining after traumatic hyphema. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2007;44(4):256.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Aonuma H, Matsushita H, Nakajima K, Watase M, Tsushima K, Watanabe I. Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1997;41(2):98–100.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ellingson FT. The uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome associated with the Mark VIII anterior chamber lens implant. J Am Intraocul Implant Soc. 1978;4(2):50–53.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Campbell DG, Simmons RJ, Grant WM. Ghost cells as a cause of glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol. 1976;81(4):441–450.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Au Eong KG, Chua EC, Yip CC, Tun Y, Lim AS. Hypopyon - an unusual sign in acute angle-closure glaucoma. Int Ophthalmol. 1993;17(3):127–129.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Yi DH, Rashid S, Cibas ES, Arrigg PG, Dana MR. Acute unilateral leukemic hypopyon in an adult with relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005;139(4):719–721.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Lobo A, Larkin G, Clark BJ, Towler HM, Lightman S. Pseudo-hypopyon as the presenting feature in B-cell and T-cell intraocular lymphoma. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2003;31(2):155–158.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Jalali S, Das T, Gupta S. Presumed noninfectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1996;22(10):1492–1497.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Sari I, Akkoc N. Hypopyon uveitis. J Rheumatol. 2006;33(10):2097–2098.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Chang JH, McCluskey PJ, Grigg JR. Recurrent hypopyon in chronic anterior uveitis of pauciarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2006;90(10):1327–1328.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Pearce A, Sugar A. Anterior uveitis and hypopyon. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;113(4):471–472.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Zimmerman TJ, Kooner KS. Clinical Pathways in Glaucoma. New York: Thieme; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Casser L, Fingeret M, Woodcome HT. Atlas of Primary Eyecare Procedures. 2nd ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange; 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Kaufman JH, Tolpin DW. Glaucoma after traumatic angle recession. A ten-year prospective study. Am J Ophthalmol. 1974;78(4):648–654.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Lehto I, Vesti E. Diagnosis and management of pigmentary glaucoma. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 1998;9(2):61–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Naumann GO, Schlotzer-Schrehardt U, Kuchle M. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome for the comprehensive ophthalmologist. Intraocular and systemic manifestations. Ophthalmology. 1998;105(6):951–968.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Sampaolesi R, Zarate J, Croxato O. The chamber angle in exfoliation syndrome. Clinical and pathological findings. Acta Ophthalmol Suppl. 1988;184:48–53.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Browning DJ, Scott AQ, Peterson CB, Warnock J, Zhang Z. The risk of missing angle neovascularization by omitting screening gonioscopy in acute central retinal vein occlusion. Ophthalmology. 1998;105(5):776–784.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Becker B, Shaffer RN, Hoskins HD, Kass MA. Becker-Shaffer’s Diagnosis and Therapy of the Glaucomas. 6th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Huang D, Swanson EA, Lin CP, et al. Optical coherence tomography. Science. 1991;254(5035):1178–1181.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Pavlin CJ, Harasiewicz K, Foster FS. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of anterior segment structures in normal and glaucomatous eyes. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;113(4):381–389.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Pavlin CJ, Harasiewicz K, Sherar MD, Foster FS. Clinical use of ultrasound biomicroscopy. Ophthalmology. 1991;98(3):287–295.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Nolan WP, See JL, Chew PT, et al. Detection of primary angle closure using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in Asian eyes. Ophthalmology. 2007;114(1):33–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Pavlin CJ, Vasquez LM, Lee R, Simpson ER, Ahmed II. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in the imaging of anterior segment tumors. Am J Ophthalmol. 2009;147(2):214–219.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Pavlin CJ, McWhae JA, McGowan HD, Foster FS. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of anterior segment tumors. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(8):1220–1228.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Garcia JP Jr, Rosen RB. Anterior segment imaging: optical coherence tomography versus ultrasound biomicroscopy. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2008;39(6):476–484.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Pavlin CJ, Ritch R, Foster FS. Ultrasound biomicroscopy in plateau iris syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992;113(4):390–395.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Radhakrishnan S, Goldsmith J, Huang D, et al. Comparison of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy for detection of narrow anterior chamber angles. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123(8):1053–1059.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Kashiwagi K, Shinbayashi E, Tsukahara S. Development of a fully automated peripheral anterior chamber depth analyzer and evaluation of its accuracy. J Glaucoma. 2006;15(5):388–393.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Crick RP, Khaw PT. A Textbook of Clinical Ophthalmology: A Practical Guide to Disorders of the Eyes and Their Management. 3rd ed. River Edge, NJ: World Scientific; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Jonas JB, Gusek GC, Naumann GO. Optic disc, cup and neuroretinal rim size, configuration and correlations in normal eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1988;29(7):1151–1158.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Harizman N, Oliveira C, Chiang A, et al. The ISNT rule and differentiation of normal from glaucomatous eyes. Arch Ophthalmol. 2006;124(11):1579–1583.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Vilser W, Nagel E, Seifert BU, Riemer T, Weisensee J, Hammer M. Quantitative assessment of optic nerve head pallor. Physiol Meas. 2008;29(4):451–457.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Appendices

Appendix 1: Medical History Questionnaire (MHQ)

Appendix 2: New Patient Welcome Letter

Appendix 3: Consent for Dilation

Appendix 4: Consent for Medical Photography

Appendix 5: Physician’s Practice Brochure

Appendix 6: Consultation Report Form

Appendix 7: Consultation Report Form: Without Annotations

Appendix 8: Glaucoma Examination Report

Appendix 9: Glaucoma Consult Examination Report to Referring Physician

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Schacknow, P.N. (2010). Office Examination of the Glaucoma Patient. In: Schacknow, P., Samples, J. (eds) The Glaucoma Book. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76700-0_28

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76700-0_28

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-76699-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-76700-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics