Ophthalmologic Techniques for Evaluating Glaucoma

Numerous articles describe findings from patients with known and suspected glaucoma using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These studies report that abnormalities may be detected on these examinations before functional changes are noted.(1) The literature, specialty society guidelines, and clinical input indicate that optic nerve analysis using CSLO, SLP, and OCT has become an additional test that may be used in the diagnosis and management of patients with glaucoma and those who are glaucoma suspects. These results are often considered along with other findings to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions about glaucoma care. Thus, this testing may be considered medically necessary.