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Abstract #47922 Published in IGR 13-4
Risk factors for glaucoma: What do they really mean?
Worley A; Grimmer-Somers KAustralian Journal of Primary Health 2011; 17: 233-239
Glaucoma is an insidious eye disease, potentially putting 4% of older Australians at risk of blindness, unless detected sufficiently early for initiation of effective treatment. This paper reports on the strengths of evidence and glaucoma risk factors that can be identified by primary health care providers from a patient's history. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed databases identified relevant secondary evidence published between 2002 and 2007. Risk factors that could be determined from a patient's history were identified. A novel glaucoma risk factor reference guide was constructed according to evidence strength and level of concern regarding risk of developing glaucoma. The evidence is strong and consistent regarding the risk of developing glaucoma, and elevated intraocular pressure, advancing age, non-Caucasian ethnicity and family history of glaucoma. There is moderate evidence of association with glaucoma, and migraine, eye injury, myopia and long-term use of corticosteroids. There is conflicting evidence for living in a rural location, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Early detection of people at risk of developing glaucoma can be initiated using our risk factor guide coupled with a comprehensive patient history. Timely future assessment and subsequent management strategies for at-risk individuals can then be effectively and efficiently actioned. (copyright) 2011 La Trobe University.
K. Grimmer-Somers. International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Email: karen.grimmer-somers@unisa.edu.au
Classification:
9.2.2 Other risk factors for glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.2 Primary open angle glaucomas)
