Diagnostic tests for the evaluation of binocular visión
Authorship
K.A.C.S.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
K.A.C.S.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.06.2026 12:45
02.06.2026 12:45
Summary
For a complete visual perception of the environment, enabling the comfortable performance of daily activities, adequate binocular vision is necessary, resulting from the balance between the proper functioning of the motor and sensory systems. Accurate diagnosis of any dysfunction or anomaly in the patient's visual system allows for the most appropriate treatment, preventing problems or limitations in daily activities. This is especially crucial in children, as their academic performance can be affected. Currently, various tests are used to diagnose binocular vision dysfunctions. The number of tests performed and their method of execution vary depending on the examiner. However, these tests are based on cutoff values obtained from studies conducted in the early and mid-20th century in limited populations. Due to significant changes in visual demands caused by the increased use of electronic devices and the differences observed with age, these cutoff values are no longer entirely valid or applicable today. To establish more consistent standards, it is vital to define specific criteria and methodologies for each type of test and patient, since different values may be obtained depending on their age, race, or gender, even if they are considered normal for that specific patient. Therefore, this study reviews and analyzes some values obtained during this century and the methodology used to perform each test, and briefly compares them with those obtained by Charles Sheard, as the latter are the most widely used today.
For a complete visual perception of the environment, enabling the comfortable performance of daily activities, adequate binocular vision is necessary, resulting from the balance between the proper functioning of the motor and sensory systems. Accurate diagnosis of any dysfunction or anomaly in the patient's visual system allows for the most appropriate treatment, preventing problems or limitations in daily activities. This is especially crucial in children, as their academic performance can be affected. Currently, various tests are used to diagnose binocular vision dysfunctions. The number of tests performed and their method of execution vary depending on the examiner. However, these tests are based on cutoff values obtained from studies conducted in the early and mid-20th century in limited populations. Due to significant changes in visual demands caused by the increased use of electronic devices and the differences observed with age, these cutoff values are no longer entirely valid or applicable today. To establish more consistent standards, it is vital to define specific criteria and methodologies for each type of test and patient, since different values may be obtained depending on their age, race, or gender, even if they are considered normal for that specific patient. Therefore, this study reviews and analyzes some values obtained during this century and the methodology used to perform each test, and briefly compares them with those obtained by Charles Sheard, as the latter are the most widely used today.
Direction
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
Court
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Student’s tutor)
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Student’s tutor)
Advances in photochromic contact lenses
Authorship
L.D.G.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
L.D.G.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.04.2026 16:30
02.04.2026 16:30
Summary
Photochromic contact lenses (PCLs) represent a significant innovation in the field of optics, offering users an adaptable solution for variable lighting conditions. This work compiles the bibliography related to PCLs, photochromic materials, the historical background of these lenses, their current state, the latest advances, and comparison with other optical aids in different usage environments. A review is carried out of the most commonly used photochromic materials. These materials contain molecules that change their chemical structure when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, altering the absorption of visible light and, therefore, light transmission. The most common organic and inorganic compounds are explained, they are compared with each other for use in ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses (CLs), and the evolution of their research over the years is discussed. Regarding the historical background, the first photochromic ophthalmic lenses appeared in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was not until the end of the 20th century that the technology began to be successfully integrated into CLs, with the appearance of the first prototypes, thanks to advances in the biocompatibility and oxygen permeability of materials. Based on this foundation, this work compiles the photochromic compounds and parameters that should be taken into account to create an ideal PCL model. It describes how factors such as activation and deactivation speed, material stability, and user comfort should be balanced. The importance of an effective photochromic response that does not compromise ocular health or comfort during prolonged use is emphasized. Regarding the current situation and the latest advances in this type of lens, emphasis is placed on the search for information about the only commercialized PCL, in addition to further exploration of recent studies, patents, or companies interested in investing in the development of this type of CL. Finally, this document compiles various comparative studies between PCLs and other optical aids, such as traditional CLs and photochromic spectacles. It is shown that, in indoor environments, PCLs offer visual comfort similar to or slightly better than that of standard lenses. Outdoors, they provide clear advantages in terms of glare reduction and adaptation to changes in light. In contexts such as sports and driving, studies suggest improvements in dynamic visual performance and contrast perception. Overall, the work concludes that PCLs represent a promising solution for users with active lifestyles and constant exposure to situations of variable light intensity, with a potentially wide range of application in other fields related to vision and ocular health, although there are still several areas where further study is needed.
Photochromic contact lenses (PCLs) represent a significant innovation in the field of optics, offering users an adaptable solution for variable lighting conditions. This work compiles the bibliography related to PCLs, photochromic materials, the historical background of these lenses, their current state, the latest advances, and comparison with other optical aids in different usage environments. A review is carried out of the most commonly used photochromic materials. These materials contain molecules that change their chemical structure when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, altering the absorption of visible light and, therefore, light transmission. The most common organic and inorganic compounds are explained, they are compared with each other for use in ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses (CLs), and the evolution of their research over the years is discussed. Regarding the historical background, the first photochromic ophthalmic lenses appeared in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was not until the end of the 20th century that the technology began to be successfully integrated into CLs, with the appearance of the first prototypes, thanks to advances in the biocompatibility and oxygen permeability of materials. Based on this foundation, this work compiles the photochromic compounds and parameters that should be taken into account to create an ideal PCL model. It describes how factors such as activation and deactivation speed, material stability, and user comfort should be balanced. The importance of an effective photochromic response that does not compromise ocular health or comfort during prolonged use is emphasized. Regarding the current situation and the latest advances in this type of lens, emphasis is placed on the search for information about the only commercialized PCL, in addition to further exploration of recent studies, patents, or companies interested in investing in the development of this type of CL. Finally, this document compiles various comparative studies between PCLs and other optical aids, such as traditional CLs and photochromic spectacles. It is shown that, in indoor environments, PCLs offer visual comfort similar to or slightly better than that of standard lenses. Outdoors, they provide clear advantages in terms of glare reduction and adaptation to changes in light. In contexts such as sports and driving, studies suggest improvements in dynamic visual performance and contrast perception. Overall, the work concludes that PCLs represent a promising solution for users with active lifestyles and constant exposure to situations of variable light intensity, with a potentially wide range of application in other fields related to vision and ocular health, although there are still several areas where further study is needed.
Direction
REGUEIRO LORENZO, UXIA (Tutorships)
REGUEIRO LORENZO, UXIA (Tutorships)
Court
REGUEIRO LORENZO, UXIA (Student’s tutor)
REGUEIRO LORENZO, UXIA (Student’s tutor)
Vision changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding: a review of physiological and pathological manifestations.
Authorship
A.L.G.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
A.L.G.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.09.2025 12:00
02.09.2025 12:00
Summary
This paper addresses the main visual and ocular changes that can occur during pregnancy and lactation, stages in which a woman's body undergoes numerous hormonal, anatomical, and physiological adaptations. The action of various hormones allows for fetal development and maternal adaptation, but can also cause changes at the ocular level. Aspects such as refractive changes, alterations of the ocular surface, intraocular pressure, and the progression of certain ocular pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, glaucoma and uveitis, are reviewed during these stages. Finally, the influence of lactation on the persistence or resolution of some of these changes is discussed, taking into account the hormonal variations characteristic of this period.
This paper addresses the main visual and ocular changes that can occur during pregnancy and lactation, stages in which a woman's body undergoes numerous hormonal, anatomical, and physiological adaptations. The action of various hormones allows for fetal development and maternal adaptation, but can also cause changes at the ocular level. Aspects such as refractive changes, alterations of the ocular surface, intraocular pressure, and the progression of certain ocular pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, glaucoma and uveitis, are reviewed during these stages. Finally, the influence of lactation on the persistence or resolution of some of these changes is discussed, taking into account the hormonal variations characteristic of this period.
Direction
ABALO LOJO, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
ABALO LOJO, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
Court
Giráldez Fernández, María Jesús (Chairman)
GARCIA PORTA, NERY (Secretary)
RODRIGUEZ REQUENA, JESUS (Member)
Giráldez Fernández, María Jesús (Chairman)
GARCIA PORTA, NERY (Secretary)
RODRIGUEZ REQUENA, JESUS (Member)
Tear film stability: invasive versus non-invasive technique
Authorship
C.L.P.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
C.L.P.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.06.2026 10:00
02.06.2026 10:00
Summary
This work consists of a literature review on the tear film and various techniques for its precise assessment, such as tear film breakup time. In addition, invasive and non-invasive tear film assessment techniques will be analyzed with the support of various studies, comparing and contrasting their clinical importance in the diagnosis of ocular surface-related pathologies, such as dry eye disease. The objective is to understand the magnitude of the importance of good tear film stability, as well as to review, compare and mainly analyze the different methods for measuring tear film breakup time, the most important parameter for assessing tear film health in clinical practice.
This work consists of a literature review on the tear film and various techniques for its precise assessment, such as tear film breakup time. In addition, invasive and non-invasive tear film assessment techniques will be analyzed with the support of various studies, comparing and contrasting their clinical importance in the diagnosis of ocular surface-related pathologies, such as dry eye disease. The objective is to understand the magnitude of the importance of good tear film stability, as well as to review, compare and mainly analyze the different methods for measuring tear film breakup time, the most important parameter for assessing tear film health in clinical practice.
Direction
GARCIA QUEIRUGA, JACOBO (Tutorships)
GARCIA QUEIRUGA, JACOBO (Tutorships)
Court
GARCIA QUEIRUGA, JACOBO (Student’s tutor)
GARCIA QUEIRUGA, JACOBO (Student’s tutor)
Mechanisms of Myopia Control. The Role of the Optician-Optometrist
Authorship
M.J.L.D.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
M.J.L.D.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.03.2026 12:00
02.03.2026 12:00
Summary
Myopia has become a global public health concern, with estimates suggesting that it will affect 50% of the world’s population by 2050. This condition is no longer considered a simple refractive error, but rather a structural alteration of the eyeball, mainly characterized by an increase in axial length, which raises the risk of severe ocular pathologies such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Given the growing number of myopia cases, the role of the optician-optometrist as a healthcare professional in visual health must not only involve a deep understanding of the nature of this condition, but also familiarity with the different strategies for preventing and controlling myopia progression in order to apply them effectively in clinical practice. In the present Final Degree Project, an analysis of the most recent literature has been carried out, addressing the definition, etiology, and associated pathologies of myopia. Concepts such as pre-myopia and the importance of an adequate hyperopic reserve and early detection are introduced, along with a compilation of the different control and prevention methods currently used in clinical practice. Among the various preventive methods are recommendations regarding visual hygiene and ergonomics, as well as different behavioral changes. Regarding the control of myopia progression, several treatments are discussed, including specialized optical corrections (ophthalmic lenses and soft contact lenses with peripheral defocus and orthokeratology), pharmacological treatments (use of atropine for axial control), and emerging therapies such as Low-Level Red Light therapy. Additionally, the role of the optometrist as a primary visual care provider within the healthcare system is addressed, analyzing their responsibility in adapting personalized treatments and their integration into recent regulatory frameworks such as Spain’s VEO Plan 2025, designed to facilitate access to children’s visual health care. The work concludes by emphasizing the importance of myopia prevention and control during childhood and adolescence, as well as the need for greater long-term multidisciplinary clinical research.
Myopia has become a global public health concern, with estimates suggesting that it will affect 50% of the world’s population by 2050. This condition is no longer considered a simple refractive error, but rather a structural alteration of the eyeball, mainly characterized by an increase in axial length, which raises the risk of severe ocular pathologies such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Given the growing number of myopia cases, the role of the optician-optometrist as a healthcare professional in visual health must not only involve a deep understanding of the nature of this condition, but also familiarity with the different strategies for preventing and controlling myopia progression in order to apply them effectively in clinical practice. In the present Final Degree Project, an analysis of the most recent literature has been carried out, addressing the definition, etiology, and associated pathologies of myopia. Concepts such as pre-myopia and the importance of an adequate hyperopic reserve and early detection are introduced, along with a compilation of the different control and prevention methods currently used in clinical practice. Among the various preventive methods are recommendations regarding visual hygiene and ergonomics, as well as different behavioral changes. Regarding the control of myopia progression, several treatments are discussed, including specialized optical corrections (ophthalmic lenses and soft contact lenses with peripheral defocus and orthokeratology), pharmacological treatments (use of atropine for axial control), and emerging therapies such as Low-Level Red Light therapy. Additionally, the role of the optometrist as a primary visual care provider within the healthcare system is addressed, analyzing their responsibility in adapting personalized treatments and their integration into recent regulatory frameworks such as Spain’s VEO Plan 2025, designed to facilitate access to children’s visual health care. The work concludes by emphasizing the importance of myopia prevention and control during childhood and adolescence, as well as the need for greater long-term multidisciplinary clinical research.
Direction
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Tutorships)
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Tutorships)
Court
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Student’s tutor)
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Student’s tutor)
Artificial tears: composition, function and application
Authorship
C.N.F.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
C.N.F.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.03.2026 12:30
02.03.2026 12:30
Summary
Artificial tears constitute the first-line treatment for relieving symptoms caused by tear film instability and dry eye disease. Their main function is to optimize the lubrication, hydration, and protection of the ocular surface, which helps maintain the balance of the lacrimal system and improve the patient’s visual quality. This literature review focuses on the study of artificial tears, specifically their function, composition, and clinical application. It analyzes the essential properties that artificial tears should possess to resemble the natural tear film as closely as possible. Among these, pH, viscosity, osmolarity, and surface tension are the most notable. Their composition includes various components such as the vehicle, isotonic agents, pH regulators, lubricants, and humectants. However, formulations differ according to the type of artificial tear, as each has specific characteristics and functions depending on the condition being treated. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most common active ingredient in all artificial tears. It stands out for its viscoelastic properties, its affinity for the ocular surface, and its water retention capacity. Additionally, the use of preservatives and their adverse effects are analyzed. Finally, the clinical application of artificial tears is addressed, including guidelines for their proper administration, selection criteria based on patient characteristics and disease severity, and their role within the comprehensive management of dry eye disease (DED). The study concludes that the proper selection and use of artificial tears significantly contribute to symptom relief, tear film stabilization, and improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Artificial tears constitute the first-line treatment for relieving symptoms caused by tear film instability and dry eye disease. Their main function is to optimize the lubrication, hydration, and protection of the ocular surface, which helps maintain the balance of the lacrimal system and improve the patient’s visual quality. This literature review focuses on the study of artificial tears, specifically their function, composition, and clinical application. It analyzes the essential properties that artificial tears should possess to resemble the natural tear film as closely as possible. Among these, pH, viscosity, osmolarity, and surface tension are the most notable. Their composition includes various components such as the vehicle, isotonic agents, pH regulators, lubricants, and humectants. However, formulations differ according to the type of artificial tear, as each has specific characteristics and functions depending on the condition being treated. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most common active ingredient in all artificial tears. It stands out for its viscoelastic properties, its affinity for the ocular surface, and its water retention capacity. Additionally, the use of preservatives and their adverse effects are analyzed. Finally, the clinical application of artificial tears is addressed, including guidelines for their proper administration, selection criteria based on patient characteristics and disease severity, and their role within the comprehensive management of dry eye disease (DED). The study concludes that the proper selection and use of artificial tears significantly contribute to symptom relief, tear film stabilization, and improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Direction
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Tutorships)
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Tutorships)
Court
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Student’s tutor)
YEBRA-PIMENTEL VILAR, EVA (Student’s tutor)
Accommodation and spherical aberration related to orthokeratology
Authorship
G.R.D.C.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
G.R.D.C.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.04.2026 17:30
02.04.2026 17:30
Summary
Orthokeratology (OrthoK) is a non-surgical refractive correction technique that uses rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep. In addition to compensating for refractive error, this procedure has demonstrated a relevant role in controlling myopic progression, thanks to the generation of peripheral myopic defocus that modulates axial eye growth. This Final Degree Project aims to compile the findings obtained from analyzing the relationship between ocular accommodation and spherical aberration in patients treated with orthokeratology lenses, assessing the potential changes induced by corneal modification in the optical and accommodative function of the visual system. To this end, the physiology of accommodation will be reviewed, understood as the ability of the crystalline lens to change its curvature and maintain retinal clarity at different viewing distances, and the role of optical aberrations, especially spherical aberration, will be addressed as a determinant of image quality and depth of focus. An additional relevant aspect is that ocular spherical aberration is not a fixed parameter; it can vary with accommodation and pupil size. Therefore, corneal changes induced by OrthoK can alter the optical quality of the visual system precisely under conditions in which accommodation is most demanding (near work, reduced illumination). The mechanisms by which corneal epithelial redistribution influences the eye’s optics will be discussed, as well as how the interaction between accommodation and spherical aberration may contribute to improvements or deterioration in perceived visual quality. In conclusion, this study aims to provide an integrated view of how orthokeratology simultaneously affects accommodative function and higher-order aberrations, with particular attention to spherical aberration, providing useful evidence for clinical fitting, follow-up, and optimization of myopia control treatments.
Orthokeratology (OrthoK) is a non-surgical refractive correction technique that uses rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep. In addition to compensating for refractive error, this procedure has demonstrated a relevant role in controlling myopic progression, thanks to the generation of peripheral myopic defocus that modulates axial eye growth. This Final Degree Project aims to compile the findings obtained from analyzing the relationship between ocular accommodation and spherical aberration in patients treated with orthokeratology lenses, assessing the potential changes induced by corneal modification in the optical and accommodative function of the visual system. To this end, the physiology of accommodation will be reviewed, understood as the ability of the crystalline lens to change its curvature and maintain retinal clarity at different viewing distances, and the role of optical aberrations, especially spherical aberration, will be addressed as a determinant of image quality and depth of focus. An additional relevant aspect is that ocular spherical aberration is not a fixed parameter; it can vary with accommodation and pupil size. Therefore, corneal changes induced by OrthoK can alter the optical quality of the visual system precisely under conditions in which accommodation is most demanding (near work, reduced illumination). The mechanisms by which corneal epithelial redistribution influences the eye’s optics will be discussed, as well as how the interaction between accommodation and spherical aberration may contribute to improvements or deterioration in perceived visual quality. In conclusion, this study aims to provide an integrated view of how orthokeratology simultaneously affects accommodative function and higher-order aberrations, with particular attention to spherical aberration, providing useful evidence for clinical fitting, follow-up, and optimization of myopia control treatments.
Direction
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
Court
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Student’s tutor)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Student’s tutor)
Effects of orthokeratology on the biomechanical properties of the cornea
Authorship
D.V.B.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
D.V.B.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.04.2026 17:00
02.04.2026 17:00
Summary
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical and reversible optometric technique based on the overnight use of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses with inverse geometry. Initially, Ortho-K was developed with the primary objective of temporarily correcting myopia, hyperopia, and certain types of astigmatism. However, in recent years, its clinical application has increased significantly due to its refractive effectiveness and its role in controlling the progression of myopia, especially in the pediatric population. The aim of this final degree project is to analyze the influence of the biomechanical and anatomical properties of corneal tissue on the response to Ortho-K treatment. To this end, a bibliographic review of the available scientific literature was carried out, selecting relevant articles from specialized databases. In this regard, the reviewed evidence shows that the response to Ortho-K treatment largely depends on the individual biomechanical characteristics of the cornea. Corneas with lower rigidity exhibit greater susceptibility to lens-induced remodeling, which may favor a faster refractive response, although it also increases interindividual variability and potential instability of the results. The induced anatomical changes mainly affect the corneal epithelium, leading to regional redistributions of thickness without compromising stromal stability in appropriately selected patients. Furthermore, the literature confirms that the integration of biomechanical parameters such as corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, and indices obtained through technologies such as the Corvis-ST and the Ocular Response Analyzer allows for improved candidate selection, enhanced clinical safety, and optimized predictability of outcomes. Overall, this work highlights the importance of incorporating anatomical and biomechanical corneal assessment into Ortho-K clinical practice, contributing to the development of more personalized and evidence-based optometric care.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical and reversible optometric technique based on the overnight use of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses with inverse geometry. Initially, Ortho-K was developed with the primary objective of temporarily correcting myopia, hyperopia, and certain types of astigmatism. However, in recent years, its clinical application has increased significantly due to its refractive effectiveness and its role in controlling the progression of myopia, especially in the pediatric population. The aim of this final degree project is to analyze the influence of the biomechanical and anatomical properties of corneal tissue on the response to Ortho-K treatment. To this end, a bibliographic review of the available scientific literature was carried out, selecting relevant articles from specialized databases. In this regard, the reviewed evidence shows that the response to Ortho-K treatment largely depends on the individual biomechanical characteristics of the cornea. Corneas with lower rigidity exhibit greater susceptibility to lens-induced remodeling, which may favor a faster refractive response, although it also increases interindividual variability and potential instability of the results. The induced anatomical changes mainly affect the corneal epithelium, leading to regional redistributions of thickness without compromising stromal stability in appropriately selected patients. Furthermore, the literature confirms that the integration of biomechanical parameters such as corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, and indices obtained through technologies such as the Corvis-ST and the Ocular Response Analyzer allows for improved candidate selection, enhanced clinical safety, and optimized predictability of outcomes. Overall, this work highlights the importance of incorporating anatomical and biomechanical corneal assessment into Ortho-K clinical practice, contributing to the development of more personalized and evidence-based optometric care.
Direction
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
López López, Maite (Co-tutorships)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
López López, Maite (Co-tutorships)
Court
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Student’s tutor)
López López, Maite (Student’s tutor)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Student’s tutor)
López López, Maite (Student’s tutor)
Advances in glaucoma
Authorship
O.V.F.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
O.V.F.
Bachelor's Degree in Optics and Optometry
Defense date
02.05.2026 17:30
02.05.2026 17:30
Summary
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells, which causes severe damage to the structure of the optic nerve and leads to alterations and restrictions in the visual field. Moreover, it poses a major public health challenge today, as it is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, due to factors such as its chronic and asymptomatic nature in the early stages and its high prevalence in the population. The symptoms and signs of the disease may vary depending on its stage and the type of glaucoma involved. They can range from the initial absence of clinical manifestations to a progressive loss of the visual field, which, in very advanced stages, may result in total blindness or significant loss of visual acuity. These signs greatly hinder patients’ daily activities, limiting their ability to read, drive, or navigate their surroundings, thus negatively affecting their personal autonomy. In recent years, significant advances have been made in both the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Among them, the introduction of high-resolution imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) stands out, allowing early detection of structural damage to the optic nerve. Equally important are the developments in automated perimetry, which enable a more accurate assessment of glaucomatous progression, even in the early stages of the disease. For all these reasons, the role of the optician-optometrist is essential in the early detection and referral of glaucoma, since early diagnosis allows for appropriate treatment and more individualized management of the disease.
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells, which causes severe damage to the structure of the optic nerve and leads to alterations and restrictions in the visual field. Moreover, it poses a major public health challenge today, as it is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, due to factors such as its chronic and asymptomatic nature in the early stages and its high prevalence in the population. The symptoms and signs of the disease may vary depending on its stage and the type of glaucoma involved. They can range from the initial absence of clinical manifestations to a progressive loss of the visual field, which, in very advanced stages, may result in total blindness or significant loss of visual acuity. These signs greatly hinder patients’ daily activities, limiting their ability to read, drive, or navigate their surroundings, thus negatively affecting their personal autonomy. In recent years, significant advances have been made in both the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Among them, the introduction of high-resolution imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) stands out, allowing early detection of structural damage to the optic nerve. Equally important are the developments in automated perimetry, which enable a more accurate assessment of glaucomatous progression, even in the early stages of the disease. For all these reasons, the role of the optician-optometrist is essential in the early detection and referral of glaucoma, since early diagnosis allows for appropriate treatment and more individualized management of the disease.
Direction
Punín Dorrio, Eva (Tutorships)
Punín Dorrio, Eva (Tutorships)
Court
Punín Dorrio, Eva (Student’s tutor)
Punín Dorrio, Eva (Student’s tutor)