[GLAUCOMA AND METABOLIC RISK FACTOR SCREENING OF ATTENDEES DURING THE 41ST ISRAEL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CONVENTION]

Despite the immediacy of medical resources, screening practices seem inadequate among health professionals.

The main purpose of this study was to increase awareness among decision makers in the medical community to population screening of metabolic risk factors and glaucoma. Evaluation of their self-practice regarding such screening was subsequently performed.

Attendees of the 41st Israel Medical Association's Convention were screened voluntarily for glaucoma and metabolic risk factors. Participants underwent intraocular pressure measurement, evaluation of anterior chamber depth and cup/disc ratio of the optic disc, measurement of blood pressure, weight, height, hemoglobin A1C and total cholesterol.

An eye examination was performed in 118 individuals with a mean age of 52 ± 10.8 years. A positive family history for glaucoma was reported in 14.4%. Twenty six percent of the participants had never been examined by an ophthalmologist. One individual had elevated intraocular pressure. An enlarged cup-disc ratio was detected in 8 participants (6.8%). Hypercholesterolemia was found in 22%, hypertension in 45%, elevated hemoglobin Al C levels in 9% and a body mass index > 25 in 73%.

A substantial number of health-care providers had inadequate own-screening practices and abnormal findings in screening tests for glaucoma and metabolic risk factors. This suggests that more efforts should be invested to stimulate and optimize screening practices among members of the medical community.