| MANEUVER | EFFECTIVENESS | LEVEL OF EVIDENCE <REF> | RECOMMENDATION |
| Snellen sight chart | Use of chart reliably detects reduced visual acuity in community studies | Cohort study [11,12] (II-2) | Fair evidence to include in the periodic health examination (PHE) (B) |
| Population screening can lead to useful improvements in vision | Cohort study [15] (II-2) | ||
| Fundoscopy or retinal photography in diabetic patients | Funduscopy and retinal photography are sensitive for detecting retinopathy; early detection preserves vision | Expert opinion [96] (III) | Fair evidence to include in the PHE of diabetic patients (B) |
| Photocoagulation in proliferative
diabetic retinopathy preserves vision |
Randomized controlled trials [85-87,89] (I) | ||
| Fundoscopy to detect age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) | ARMD can be detected by those trained in ophthalmoscopy | Expert opinion [38] (III) | Insufficient evidence to include in or exclude from the PHE (C) |
| Photocoagulation preserves vision in patients with neovascular changes from ARMD | Randomized controlled trials [37-40] (I) | ||
| Fundoscopy, tonometry or automated perimetry to detect glaucoma | Examination of optic disc (fundoscopy) is sensitive for detecting glaucoma | Cohort study [37] (II-2) | Insufficient evidence to include in or exclude from the PHE (C) |
| Schiötz tonometry has poor sensitivity and specificity for early detection of glaucoma | Case series [42,53,54] (III) | ||
| Automated perimetry (Humphrey) is sensitive for detecting glaucoma | Case series [60] (III) | ||
| Topical application of beta-adrenergic blocker lowers IOP and may retard vision loss | Randomized controlled trials [62-70] (I) |
Link to Full Text of this review
Link to Structured Abstract of this review
Link to Selected References list of this review
Link to 1994 chapter: Screening for visual impairment in the elderly
Reprinted in modified format by the Canadian
Task Force on Preventive Health Care
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1997 Minister of Supply and Services Canada.
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Last modified: November 1, 1999.
