Glaucoma screening as part of the routine physical examination. What to look for and how to use the Schiotz tonometer.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual loss in the United States. The primary care physician can effectively screen patients at risk by performing Schiotz tonometry, checking the visual fields, and examining the fundus. Patients with elevated intraocular pressure, grossly abnormal visual fields, or abnormal optic disks should be referred to an ophthalmologist for confirmation of diagnosis and for therapy.