Conducting VF testing, OCT and optic disc exams during initial and follow-up visits protected against short-term diagnostic changes, as did seeing a glaucoma specialist at the first visit, researchers found.
A pattern-based model currently in development showed better sensitivity for detecting loss of tissue characteristic of the disease than RNFL and GCL+IPL thickness maps.
Individual-level factors such as older age, male sex, lower BMI and alcohol abstinence were associated with higher risk of the condition, while income and education had less effect in this analysis.
Despite regular clinical evaluations over 20 years, significant visual field loss was observed in participants, prompting experts to reconsider testing intervals and IOP management goals.
In patients with no previous diagnosis of the condition, assessment of these parameters could further aid in early screening and prediction of its development.