Posters

Glaucoma vision screening: an evaluation of outcomes and patients’ perception regarding the disease and its detection

Poster Details

First Author: E.Kanonidou GREECE

Co Author(s):    P. Kalouda   N. Lakidis   G. Sakkias        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Vision screening is a quick, efficient and cost-effective method to detect individuals with visual impairment or eye conditions that are likely to lead to visual impairment. Glaucoma vision screening is probably more effective when targeted at certain groups of population. Our purpose was to evaluate the outcomes of a glaucoma vision screening event of relatives of glaucoma patients undertaken in our practice.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, ''Hippokrateion'' General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Methods:

Semi-automated equipment for the measurement of intraocular pressure (portable rebound tonometer Icare) and a handheld digital retinal camera for non-mydriatic eye fundus examination (EY3 optomed smartscope M5) were used for the screening. An experienced ophthalmologist examined all the outcome measures. Patients requiring further investigation or treatment on the grounds of raised intraocular pressure or suspicious optic discs were subsequently examined in the specialist glaucoma clinic. A questionnaire was also used to assess participants’ attitude towards the disease and their knowledge of its symptoms and detection.

Results:

107 patients(40 males)with family history of glaucoma participated.Their mean age was 60.8 years.They had no ocular comorbidities.36 suffered from hypertension,25 from diabetes,10 from hyperlipidemia.33 were found to have IOP above 21 mmHg in both eyes and 21 c/d ratio>0.5 or c/d ratio asymmetry between eyes, and referred to specialist clinic for investigations(visual fields/OCT).11 had never had eye examination before,while 24 visited an Ophthalmologist rarely.68 had no understanding of the disease.90 had no knowledge about initial symptoms and risk factors;7 recognized heredity as risk factor.In terms of detection,11 knew the importance of tonometry,10 of fundoscopy;the rest reported having no knowledge.

Conclusions:

Vision screening programmes are useful in identifying individuals who need appropriate investigation by an eye care professional for diagnosis and management of their eye problems. They can also provide an important opportunity to educate individuals about eye health as their knowledge about common eye conditions is frequently insufficient. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: NONE