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Referrals for vascular hypertension in a group of 45-64-year-old patients
N A Barnard1, R J Allen, A F Field
1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, City University, London, UK.
Insights
Routine eye exams should include blood pressure measurement. This helps optometrists identify more patients needing referrals, improving early detection of potential health issues beyond vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Routine eye examinations assess ocular health.
- Non-sphygmomanometric criteria are traditionally used for patient referrals.
- Blood pressure is a critical cardiovascular health indicator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of incorporating blood pressure measurement into routine eye examinations.
- To determine the impact of blood pressure screening on patient referral rates.
- To assess the value of non-sphygmomanometric findings versus combined methods for referral decisions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 210 patients aged 45-66 years underwent eye examinations.
- Referral decisions were initially based on fundus appearance and other non-blood pressure factors.
- Blood pressure was subsequently measured, and referral decisions were re-evaluated.
Main Results:
- Only 5 (2.4%) patients were identified for referral based solely on non-sphygmomanometric findings.
- A total of 33 (15.7%) patients were ultimately referred after blood pressure measurement.
- Blood pressure screening significantly increased the detection rate of patients requiring referral.
Conclusions:
- Integrating blood pressure measurement into routine eye exams enhances patient referral accuracy.
- Optometrists should consider adopting a protocol for blood pressure measurement during eye examinations.
- This practice can improve early identification of individuals at risk for hypertension and related conditions.
Abstract:
Two hundred and ten consecutive 45-66-year-old patients underwent a routine eye examination and a decision was made whether to refer each patient on the basis of fundus appearance and other non-sphygmomanometric criteria. Blood pressure was then measured and the referral decision was reviewed. Of the 33 (15.7%) patients finally referred, only 5 (2.4%) would have been referred on the non-sphygmomanometric findings. It is suggested that optometrists include a protocol of blood pressure measurement as part of the eye examination routine.