Glaucoma screening: an important role for NPs

Glaucoma continues to be a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States today. However, with early detection through screening followed by prompt treatment, sight can be spared. This article discusses the pathophysiology of both acute open-angle and acute and chronic angle-closure glaucoma and describes the high-risk population. The rationale behind obtaining an accurate intraocular pressure reading and converting the scale reading to mm Hg is explored. A step-by-step outline of the procedure for Schiotz tonometry is presented. Nurse practitioners who are functioning within primary care settings can provide valuable early detection screening to high-risk clients and make timely referrals for further evaluation.