Glaucoma Risk Prediction in ocular hypertension: Knowledge transfer event

Glaucoma UK recently supported some research which sought to understand risk factors for developing glaucoma from ocular hypertension. The researchers are hosting an event to share their findings, and discuss how to implement them, and how to improve eye care for people with ocular hypertension.

If you would like to know more about the risk factors for developing glaucoma, or to understand more about how medical research is carried out, please join us at the knowledge transfer event on Tuesday 21st November 2023 at City University, London.

Lunch will be provided from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, with the meeting running from 1.30pm to 4.30pm (full agenda available in due course). Travel and expenses will be reimbursed. To register, please contact Sara Shields by emailing sara.shields@qub.ac.uk. Places are limited and booking is essential.

More information about the research

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can lead to loss of vision if not identified and treated early. One factor which can increase the chance of developing glaucoma is ocular hypertension (high eye pressure). Eye pressure is considered to be high if it is above 21 mmHg. In the UK around 1.3 million adults have ocular hypertension, and although many of these people will not develop glaucoma, treatment may be required to stop this happening.

Current guidance in the UK recommends treatment with eye drops if the eye pressure is greater than 24 mmHg. For patients, treatment means having laser treatment and/or using eye drops on a daily and lifelong basis.

Having a risk prediction tool that can help doctors identify those at the greatest risk of progressing from ocular hypertension to glaucoma would both support clinical decision-making, and improve information that can be given to patients regarding the status of their condition.

We were funded by NIHR (the research organisation of the NHS) to validate and improve a risk calculator originated from USA (from the OHTS trial) in a UK population. By reviewing electronic medical records and visual field tests we aimed to determine what factors were associated with development of glaucoma. We also explored the value for the NHS of using a UK validated risk prediction tool for different follow up intervals, according to risk. We also asked a large number of people with ocular hypertension what are their preferences for monitoring their condition.

The results of the research will be shared with Glaucoma UK members and professional organisations.