Title | The prevalence of age-related sight threatening diseases |
Abstract Nr. | 2074 |
Purpose | To investigate the prevalence of sight threatening diseases in a healthy cohort from the University of the 3rd Age of Leuven. |
Methods | All participants were at least 55 years old and without known history of ocular diseases. A general medical questionnaire was performed and the ophthalmologic information collected consisted of intraocular pressure, fundus pictures, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and a clinical examination with biomicroscopy. |
Results | One hundred and two individuals aged 69.8±5.4 years (48 male/54 female) were included in the study. As a result of the screening 25 participants (24.5%) were referred for additional examinations. In 16 cases (15.7%) suspicious optic discs were the reason for referral. Three participants (2.9%) had ocular hypertension, and 2 (1.7%) were referred due to signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other signs that led to referrals for additional examinations were episcleral/retinal vessel tortuosity, unspecific macular changes, cataract, and posterior capsule opacification. No cases of diabetic retinopathy or wet-AMD were observed. |
Conclusion | This study demonstrates that even in a self-proclaimed healthy group, ocular pathology is prevalent. A routine ophthalmological check-up is advised in order to detect these diseases. |
Conflict of interest | No |
Last name | LEMMENS |
Initials | S |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |
Last name | Barbosa Breda |
Initials | J |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |
Last name | Jacobs |
Initials | T |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |
Last name | Van Keer |
Initials | K |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |
Last name | Van Landeghem |
Initials | R |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |
Last name | Stalmans |
Initials | I |
Department | UZ Leuven |
City | Leuven |