[Screening for glaucoma in diabetic patients by using the Schiörtz tonometer]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Diabetology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma.
• Early detection of glaucoma in diabetic populations is crucial to prevent vision loss.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is a key component of glaucoma screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in diabetic patients within a primary care setting as a glaucoma screening method.
• To validate the Schiörtz tonometer for IOP measurement in primary care for glaucoma screening.
• To determine the prevalence of glaucoma and associated risk factors in a diabetic population.

Main Methods:

• An observational crossover study was conducted in a primary care setting.
• 144 patients participating in a diabetes mellitus health program were included.
• The Schiörtz tonometer was used for initial IOP measurements, with Perkins tonometer and ophthalmoscopy used for confirmation.

Main Results:

• A glaucoma prevalence of 11% was identified, with 75% of these cases being newly diagnosed.
• The Schiörtz tonometer demonstrated a positive predictive value of 87.1% for detecting elevated IOP.
• The positive predictive value for detecting glaucoma using the Schiörtz tonometer was 35.5%.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of glaucoma in diabetic patients underscores the importance of systematic screening for this risk factor.
• The Schiörtz tonometer is a validated and useful tool for glaucoma screening in primary care for diabetic individuals.
• Regular IOP monitoring in diabetic patients is recommended to facilitate early glaucoma detection and management.