All optometrists, no matter their level of licensure, are expected to diagnose the condition or at least to recognize that a problem exists and refer the patient to another practitioner. It is in the area of the diagnosis that most referrals by optometrists to ophthalmologists related to glaucoma occur.

Only a small proportion of the prescriptions written for glaucoma in the U.S.A. are now written by optometrists alone. At the Wilmer Glaucoma Center, we have several excellent optometrist faculty members and work in a team approach, but the care of those with glaucoma is performed by ophthalmologists.

The Dilated Eye Exam In assessing your glaucoma, the ophthalmologist will dilate your eyes so that he or she can get a magnified, 3D view of your optic nerve. This helps to determine the status of your optic nerves and glaucoma. He or she will assess the shape, color, depth, size, and vessels of the optic nerve.

Diagnosis

1. Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry)
2. Testing for optic nerve damage with a dilated eye examination and imaging tests.
3. Checking for areas of vision loss (visual field test)
4. Measuring corneal thickness (pachymetry)
5. Inspecting the drainage angle (gonioscopy)

Research has shown that regular exercise may lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. It does not have to be rigorous exercise to have a beneficial effect, but rather a brisk walk every other day for 20 to 30 minutes.

The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health

1. Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of your eye.
2. Vitamin E.
3. Vitamin C.
4. Vitamins B6, B9 and B12.
5. Riboflavin.
6. Niacin.
7. Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids.