A research team from Moorfields, led by Mr Harry Petrushkin, has launched a new national study through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) into ocular hypotony, a sight-threatening condition where the pressure inside the eye is low enough for long enough to cause permanent structural changes and vision loss.
This epidemiological study aims to identify the incidence, clinical presentation and management of clinically significant ocular hypotony. It will help shift the focus from defining hypotony in simple terms, and instead identify cases with low intraocular pressure, worsened visual burden and predetermined ocular structural changes. Arguably, this is more important in ascertaining ocular morbidity than using a purely numerical or clinical definition. This also holds significance for the accurate monitoring of long-term surgical outcomes in select patient groups.
Ophthalmologists are encouraged to report new cases through their monthly report emails. The case definition and reporting instructions can be seen here.
Obtaining and analysing this information has the potential to predict who might be affected and risk-stratify patients with this condition. The results of this study will allow more meaningful and standardised explanations of risk of visual loss to patients. It will also provide a national framework for general ophthalmologists to identify and diagnose this condition in a timely manner, thus allowing prompt treatment and referral to specialist services if needed.
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