Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and many other nations and is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans. Elevated intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension or OHT) is a major risk factor for developing POAG and the only modifiable risk factor at present. 4-7% of the United States population above age 40 has OHT. A major public health issue is how to apply the principles of patient- centered care and manage this large group of people in an effective and cost-effective manner. The OHTS carefully followed OHT participants for a median of 13 years (OHTS Phase 1 and 2). This includes 279 participants who developed POAG during the study, the largest inception cohort of POAG patients ever described. We propose to re-examine all surviving OHTS participants at 20 years or more in 2015-2017 (OHTS Phase 3). We will determine the incidence and severity of POAG in the OHTS cohort and determine the frequency and severity of self-reported functional limitations associated with POAG. We will also develop a 20-year prediction model for stratifying OHT patients by their risk of developing POAG and, among those who developed POAG, a prediction model for the rate of visual field loss. OHTS Phase 3 will allow us to develop evidence-based, 20-year guidelines for the management of patients with OHT. This will aid patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about the appropriate frequency of examinations and tests and the benefit of early, preventative treatment. Informed decisions should improve outcomes, reduce costs and reduce patient and clinician burden.

Public Health Relevance

We will re-examine participants in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) after 20 years or more of follow-up to determine the incidence and severity of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the cohort and determine the frequency and severity of self-reported functional limitations associated with POAG. We will also develop a 20-year prediction model for stratifying ocular hypertensive patients by their risk of developing POAG and, among those who developed POAG, a prediction model for the rate of visual field loss.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Clinical Research Cooperative Agreements - Single Project (UG1)
Project #
5UG1EY025180-05
Application #
9755438
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZEY1)
Program Officer
Everett, Donald F
Project Start
2015-07-01
Project End
2021-06-30
Budget Start
2019-07-01
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130
Gordon, Mae O; Higginbotham, Eve J; Heuer, Dale K et al. (2018) Assessment of the Impact of an Endpoint Committee in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Am J Ophthalmol :
Gordon, Mae O; Kass, Michael A (2018) What We Have Learned From the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Am J Ophthalmol 189:xxiv-xxvii
Scheetz, Todd E; Faga, Ben; Ortega, Lizette et al. (2016) Glaucoma Risk Alleles in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Ophthalmology 123:2527-2536