Validation of a Novel Low-Cost Glaucoma Risk Calculator for Community-Based Screening in High-Risk Populations

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss.
• Existing screening methods may have limitations in accessibility and cost, particularly in diverse urban communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a novel, low-cost glaucoma screening calculator.
• To determine the calculator's validity in assessing glaucoma risk among high-risk populations in New York City.
• To establish the reliability of affordable screening tools for glaucoma detection.

Main Methods:

• A community-based prognostic study conducted in New York City neighborhoods (2022-2024).
• Screenings involved trained non-physician personnel measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT).
• Participants aged 40+ underwent comprehensive eye exams by ophthalmologists for glaucoma confirmation.

Main Results:

• The Laroche glaucoma calculator achieved high sensitivity (93.5%) and specificity (91.3%).
• Positive predictive value was 80.5%, and negative predictive value was 97.3%, with an overall accuracy of 91.9%.
• The study included 716 eligible participants (mean age 62.9 ± 11.9 years), with diverse ethnic and gender representation.

Conclusions:

• The Laroche glaucoma calculator is a valid and effective tool for glaucoma risk assessment.
• The calculator demonstrates high performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
• Affordable screening methods utilizing this calculator can significantly aid in early glaucoma detection in community settings.