A recent survey of Optometric Management readers demonstrates the importance of medical eye care in optometry. For instance, 73% of those surveyed report they provide medical care for their patients who have glaucoma. In addition, most optometrists surveyed said they also provided medical care for dry eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, among other ocular diseases. Considering these compelling results, OM is delighted to provide the latest “Practicing Medical Optometry” (PMO) series for 2024.    

The glaucoma features

This, our first PMO issue of the year, focuses on glaucoma, leading  off with the feature article, “Distinguishing glaucoma from a masquerader.” Here, Dr. Hamza Shah provides a systematic approach to differentiating glaucoma from non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies. This approach emphasizes case analysis, symptom assessment, onset and progression data, family and medical histories, medication factors, and a thorough ocular evaluation.

One of the top challenges in managing glaucoma, according to the OM survey, was patient compliance with treatment. In “Ocular surface health in glaucoma patients,” Dr. Jill Gottehrer identifies glaucoma medication-caused dry eye disease as a common cause of non-compliance. To address this, Dr. Gottehrer offers three steps: prescribing treatments for DED, switching medications, and considering a surgical consult.

Ultimately, caring for a glaucoma patient is about improving or restoring vision. And so, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner discusses improving functional vision through a variety of spectacle options in “Low vision spectacles for glaucoma patients.” These options address peripheral vision loss, central vision loss, glare control, and contrast issues.

In her “New OD” column, Dr. Kristin S. O’Brien focuses on what new graduates should keep in mind when managing glaucoma, as learning about it in school “is much different than encountering your first glaucoma patient after graduation.”

Much more...

Also this month, OM offers bonus content online, including Dr. Austin Lifferth’s latest “Glaucoma” column, Dr. Susan Resnick’s “Contact Lens” column, and more. Check them out at optometricmanagement.com. OM