The Article in Brief

Primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and vision-related disability. Based on existing studies of glaucoma screening and treatment, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its 1996 recommendations for glaucoma screening. They find that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening adults for glaucoma. A review of existing evidence found no benefit of early recognition and treatment of glaucoma in patients who weren’t showing symptoms. Moreover, the Task Force notes that the potential benefits of screening and treatment must be weighed against the known harms, which include local eye irritation and an increased risk for cataracts.