Skip to main navigation
Skip notifications
Access to POEMs and Essential Evidence Plus will no longer be included in CMA membership as of Dec. 1, 2023.
Search
USPSTF 2022: No recommendation for or against screening for glaucoma in adults (I statement)
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians screen for primary open-angle glaucoma in asymptomatic adults?
Bottom line
In this updated review, the USPSTF reaffirmed its 2013 finding that evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for glaucoma in persons 40 years or older with no symptoms of glaucoma (I statement). 2b
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Population-based
Synopsis
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found one randomized clinical trial reporting that screening of frail elderly patients for glaucoma resulted in no difference in vision outcomes versus not screening, but it did significantly increase the risk of falls. Multiple studies found that screening can identify persons with glaucoma, and treatment improves intraocular pressure, but no additional evidence shows any improvement in visual outcomes or quality of life. The overall harm of screening was determined to be small. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports the USPSTF recommendation on glaucoma screening.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
Good review
Good info for primary care physicians. We were taught to check IOP in Med School but I doubt any GP's check it; they refer
glacauma screen
no benefit
? Significantly increase risk of fall
Synopsis states screening did significantly increase risk of falls. Question is how? Is it just because they had to get to the screening centre.