Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG81/1

Question

Risk tools to identify risk of developing COAG and risk of sight loss:- What is the predictive value of risk tools for identifying people in the community who are at
increased risk of developing chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) and identifying people with COAG who are at increased risk of sight loss?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Most cases of COAG are first detected by case-finding in community optometry after a sight test (with or without repeat measures, enhanced case-finding, or referral refinement). Identifying at case-finding which people are at high risk of conversion to COAG is important for guiding decisions about monitoring, treatment and referral. However, current evidence on the sensitivity and specificity of risk tools for developing COAG is of moderate-to-low quality, with all studies having a high or very high risk of bias. There was no evidence on cost effectiveness.
Similarly, a risk tool that identifies people with COAG who are at risk of progression to sight loss would be useful for both patients and healthcare professionals. People at higher risk of sight loss could have more frequent testing and perhaps more intensive treatment, whereas people at lower risk could have less frequent assessments and potentially less intensive treatment.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Glaucoma: diagnosis and management

Number

NG81

Date issued

November 2017

Other details