Background: Resource utilisation and direct costs associated with glaucoma progression in
Europe are unknown. As population progressively ages, the economic impact of the disease
will increase. Methods: From a total of 1655 consecutive cases, the records of 194 patients
were selected and stratified by disease severity. Record selection was based on diagnoses
of primary open angle glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, ocular hypertension, or normal tension
glaucoma; 5 years minimum follow up were required. Glaucoma severity was assessed …

… The basis for disease severity in this study is firmly grounded in that visual field loss
correlates well with disease severity. This is a reasonable assumption with sound basis. …
This study should alert health policy committees that the initial costs of effective glaucoma
management should ultimately reduce the long-term cost burden of glaucoma. When the
cost benefit of screening for glaucoma improves, even more dollars will be saved because
half of the glaucoma on the planet is undiagnosed and progressing, thereby entering the …