Glaucoma Within Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is caused by damage to the optic nerve between the back of the eye and the brain leading to progressive blindness. The cause is poorly understood but ageing, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and genetics are all likely to play a role. There is no cure for glaucoma but treatments are available which slow progression. Because vision cannot be restored once lost, early detection, monitoring and early treatment are all essential to preserve visual function.

The condition is diagnosed using a combination of the appearance of the optic nerve on clinical examination or photograph and visual field testing (perimetry). Measurement of IOP and measurement of the thickness of the retinal layers at the back of the eye complement diagnostic decisions.

The Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) study does not include perimetry in the series of tests carried out on all participants but does include photography of the optic nerve, measurement of IOP and measurement of retinal thickness. Therefore we propose to invite back participants of the NICOLA study who have abnormal optic discs and high eye pressure to return for perimetry to confirm a diagnosis of glaucoma. Calling back participants for perimetry is essential to make the diagnosis not only for estimating prevalence but also for identifying participant's ill-health.

The primary aim of this study is to quantify the number of participants in the NICOLA study who have glaucoma and report its risk factors. This will allow an estimate of the number of people in the whole of NI with glaucoma. We will also perform a series of novel tests using state-of-the-art technologies to assess if they are better than current tests at diagnosing glaucoma. This may enable better informed decisions about policy decisions in eyecare.