NHS Evidence

This Glaucoma Annual Evidence Update presents a collection of evidence that has emerged in the past 12 months since the 2007 NKW. 

Scope - The term “glaucoma” for the purposes of the knowledge week is used to cover primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG).   Ocular hypertension is also included here as it is a strong risk factor for developing glaucoma.  Angle closure glaucoma, paediatric glaucoma and the secondary glaucomas are not covered in this update.

ADDENDUM - NICE GUIDANCE 2009

On 22 April 2009 NICE issued final guidance on the diagnosis and management of chronic open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.  Click here to access

Key guidance documents published in 2008

NICE Guidance

• Canaloplasty for primary open-angle glaucoma

College of Optometrists

• College's code of ethics and guidelines for professional conduct 2008 / 18 : examining the patient at risk from primary open angle glaucoma

Annual Evidence Update Methodology

Searches were limited to the period October 2007 to October 2008 and the findings are presented through a number of topics reflecting the care pathway.

The evidence has been categorised into secondary publications (systematic reviews and meta analyses), interventional studies (randomised control trials and clinical control trials) and observational studies.  Links to the full text articles are provided where available and links to PubMed abstracts in all other cases, together with links to the 2006 NKW pages are also provided. 

Users should note that an in-depth appraisal of the content or quality of each reference cited has not been performed and their inclusion does not imply endorsement.  We  recommend that a full appraisal is completed using the appropriate check-list provided by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. 

We welcome feedback about resources that we identify, do contact us if you would like to comment

After you have browsed the knowledge week pages, please take a moment to complete our survey (5 mins). Click here to take the survey.

Topics :

• Epidemiology
• Screening
• Medical Management
• Emerging technology :
  Optic disc imaging
  - Optic disc imaging - diagnosis and disease monitoring
  - Optic disc imaging - images (from last year's Knowledge Week)
  - Assessment of Visual Field Progression 
• Patient education
• Low vision and living with Glaucoma

Link to main Evidence Tree

Link to Journal spread

Low vision version

AVAILABLE FROM 26 NOVEMBER:

Special Feature on Driving and Glaucoma hosted by the later life specialist collection 

Database of Uncertainties about the Effects of Treatments  (DUETs)

The eyes and vision specialist collection is collaborating in the development of the Database of Uncertainties about the Effects of  Treatments.   Please click here to find out more information