Screening for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas & S Dakota

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

To evaluate the effectiveness of glaucoma screening in individuals at outreach programs.

 

Methods:

 

A retrospective review of patients at glaucoma screening programs in 4 mid-western states between March 2004 and August 2010. Screening sites were staffed by certified Creighton University Glaucoma Out Reach Initiative members under the direction of OKL, a glaucoma specialist. Subjects completed screening forms provided by The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation. Age, gender, race, family history of glaucoma, medical history, type of diabetes use of insulin, duration of disease, and elevated blood pressure were detailed. Each subject was screened for visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP).The VA was assessed separately in each eye with or without correction. IOP was measured using a handheld Tonopen or a Perkins tonometer. All subjects had visual field exam using the Frequency Doubling Testing (FDT) machine. Fundoscopy and complete ocular exam was done by OKL, MP, JP, SG and HL as needed. Patients were grouped into four categories based on findings: existing glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, cataract suspect, and other ocular disease. Recommendations made included urgent glaucoma, non-urgent glaucoma, ophthalmic, and routine follow-up consultation.

 

Results:

 

See JPG Chart

 

Conclusions:

 

Our rural mid western glaucoma outreach program supported by The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation (with one of the largest screening data bases in the country) has positively helped in identifying a large number of subjects at risk for and/or currently suffering from glaucoma.  

 

Keywords: visual fields • intraocular pressure • optic nerve