Glaucoma in An Elderly Caucasian Population (the Bridlington Eye Assessment Project)

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed visual field loss from open-angle glaucoma in the over 65s in an English community

Methods: : A slit-lamp based systematic screening examination including suprathreshold automated perimetry (Henson 26 point test extended to 68 point if not full), dilated fundoscopy, optic disc photography and HRT optic disc imaging was performed by a specially trained optometrist. Glaucoma suspects were referred to the local eye unit and underwent repeat examination by a senior ophthalmologist, including threshold automated perimetry (Henson 68 point test).

Results: : 3558 of the 6369 invitees (mean age 74 years [SD 6.6] ) took part in the study (55.9%). Baseline field tests were performed on 3527 participants (99.1%) of whom 647 had abnormal 26 point fields in at least one eye. 472 people had an abnormal extended field in at least one eye. 345 participants did not comply with Jonas criteria for optic disc assessment, of which 154 people had suspicious discs in both eyes. 132 people had a self reported diagnosis of "glaucoma". 564 patients (15.9%) were referred to the hospital eye service for assessment for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. 48 participants were newly diagnosed as having open angle glaucoma (1.3%, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.8%). 66 participants were considered glaucoma suspects (1.9%, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4%).

Conclusions: : Glaucomatous field loss in an elderly white Caucasian population may not be as common as suggested by other studies.

Keywords: visual fields • optic disc • intraocular pressure