Screening for glaucoma in a geriatric unit: report of a pilot study

Schiøtz indentation tonometry and ophthalmoscopy were carried out as a screening procedure for glaucoma in 100 patients attending a geriatric day hospital. Twenty-one eyes (10.5%) in 13 patients (13%) had a pressure of 20.6 mmHg or higher. Seven eyes (3.5%) in five patients (5%) were thought to have abnormally wide and deep cups with pale discs. However, if all risk factors were considered, 42% of patients would have needed ophthalmological referral. The value of screening for glaucoma in a geriatric unit is discussed.