Report: Ophthalmologists More Likely to Underestimate the Risk of Glaucoma

Study recommends closer screening of high-risk patients.

Ophthalmologists and ophthalmology trainees who participated in an on-line study were about twice as likely to underestimate as to overestimate the likelihood of glaucoma, according to a recent article published online by “JAMA Ophthalmology.” Said a researcher: “The most important take-home message from this paper is the importance of accurate assessment of the optic nerve head and [retinal nerve fiber layer] in the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma. When these are inappropriately assessed, diagnoses may be missed. We all know population-based screening for glaucoma is not cost effective or efficient; thus, I would recommend improved awareness and case detection through screening of high-risk individuals and better assessment of the optic nerve head in all patients attending ophthalmic services.”

Read more at Medscape