Current patterns of glaucoma care and treatment are a cost-effective way to slow or prevent vision loss and should be continued, according to a new study by researchers at RTI International, Duke University, Harvard University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Glaucoma, which affects more than 4 million Americans, is a group of eye diseases caused by damage to the optic nerve, which carries images from the eye to the brain. Previous research has established that screening was effective in detecting glaucoma and preventing the disease’s progression. However, no research had linked these impacts to cost-effective improvements in the patient’s visual functionality and quality of life.

The study, published in the May issue of Ophthalmology (the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology), found that routine patient assessment for glaucoma during scheduled visits to an eye care provider followed by the treatment of patients with detectable symptoms of glaucoma was cost-effective even when the entire costs of the eye assessment was attributed to glaucoma and when a conservative impact of treatment was assumed.

Treatments were highly cost-effective when the costs of diagnostic assessments were excluded or when optimistic treatment efficacy was assumed.

“Of course routine eye assessments detect more than just glaucoma,” said David Rein, Ph.D., a senior research economist at RTI and the study’s lead author. “Eye examinations can capture a wide range of possible visual problems from improperly corrected refractive error to cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other diseases that are more likely to occur as a patient ages.”

The researchers used a computer model to simulate glaucoma incidence, natural progression, diagnosis and treatment of 20 million people followed from age 50 years to death or age 100 years. They found that the cost-effective ratio, even when based on conservative efficacy, compared favorably with cost-effectiveness standards set by the World Health Organization.

“Our findings support the cost-effectiveness of the glaucoma treatment recommendations outlined in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Preferred Practice Patterns.” Rein said. “We had the same conclusion even in alternative scenarios where we varied the costs, efficacy, and impact of treatment.”

The study was funded by CDC.

About RTI International
RTI International is one of the world s leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 2,800 provides research and technical expertise to governments and businesses in more than 40 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory and chemistry services.

Source: RTI International