[The early diagnosis of glaucoma as a social medical problem (author's transl)]

Tonometric mass screening for industrial nations is not recommended. Amongst the reasons against mass screening is to be emphasized the sufficient prevention of glaucoma blindness, if the reading glasses are prescribed by the ophthalmologist and if he measures the intraocular pressure in each patient over 40 years of age. In developing countries the programmes are completely different since here no medical treatment is possible. The cost benefit calculation is presented for such mass screening, which should be directed to the early recognition of simple glaucoma and which should combine tonometry and Friedman Analyzer field study. Pilot studies should show, whether it is useful or not to include the inspection of the optic disc. Glaucoma teams could be associated with the cataract eye camps. Their work must be coordinated by a center, which evaluades the results of the examination teams and changes directives accordingly.