Mass Screening for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Is It Really Relevant?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
• Early detection of glaucoma is crucial but remains challenging.
• Population-based screening strategies are essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relevance and effectiveness of glaucoma screening in a population-based context.
• To evaluate the yield of early glaucoma detection among employees at pharmaceutical laboratory sites.
• To contribute to the ongoing debate on the value of mass glaucoma screening.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 434 employees from two pharmaceutical laboratory sites.
• Data collection included age, gender, family history of glaucoma, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Participants with elevated IOP or optic nerve damage underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations.

Main Results:

• The average age of participants was 44 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 0.7.
• 16.5% of employees were re-examined, revealing a 2.9% glaucoma diagnosis rate.
• 15% showed signs of glaucomatous optic nerve damage, and 4.6% had IOP above 21 mmHg.

Conclusions:

• The diagnostic approach was effective for early glaucoma detection in the studied employee population.
• The overall value of mass glaucoma screening is debated due to low prevalence, test limitations, and economic factors.
• Further research is needed to determine the clinical and economic efficiency of various glaucoma screening strategies.