Validated prediction models are helpful to determine the risk of an individual with ocular hypertension developing chronic glaucoma

The Science behind the Tip

Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important risk factor for the development of glaucoma and can be modified with treatment (1). However it is difficult to justify the treatment of all individuals with raised IOP, because of the high prevalence of ocular hypertension, the low conversion rate to glaucoma and the costs and side effects of treatment (2).

Based on results from the OHTS (1) and EGPS (3) and using the ocular parameters of a given individual with ocular hypertension, the 5-year risk of developing glaucoma can be estimated and expressed as a percentage (4). Risk models allow clinicians to decide on the frequency of tests and whether to start treatment.

Contributor: John F Salmon MD - Oxford Eye Hospital - UK

References

1. Kass MA, Heuer DK, Higginbotham EJ et al. Ocular Hypertension Study Group Arch Ophthalmol 2002; 120 : 701-13.

2. Kymes SM, Kass MA, Anderson DR et al. Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: a cost-effectiveness approach Am J Ophthalmol 2006; 141: 997-1008.

3. European Glaucoma Prevention Study Group. Results of the European Glaucoma Prevention Study. Ophthalmology 2005; 112 : 366-75.

4. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study Group and the European Glaucoma Prevention Study Group. A validated prediction model for the development of primary open angle glaucoma in individuals with ocular hypertension. Ophthalmology 2007; 114 : 10-19

Tip Reviewer: Roger Hitchings
Tip Editor: John Salmon