Task force says more research needed before recommendations made on glaucoma, impaired vision screening

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a draft recommendation statement saying that more research is needed before making a recommendation for or against screening in primary care for people who have not reported concerns with their vision, according to a press release.

“The Task Force is calling for more research to fully evaluate the benefits and harms of screening people for glaucoma and impaired vision in primary care who have not noticed any issues with their vision, especially those who are disproportionately affected,” said Task Force vice chair Carol Mangione, MD, MSPH in the press release. “In the absence of evidence, clinicians should use their judgment when deciding whether or not to screen individual patients.”

“Impaired vision and glaucoma are serious and common conditions that affect many people’s independence and quality of life,” said Task Force member Katrina Donahue, MD, MPH, in the press release. “Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to determine if screening for these conditions in the primary care setting can help people who have not noticed problems with their vision.”

Read the full press release here.