Diagnostic Tools for Calculation of Glaucoma Risk

Risk calculators may simplify the management of ocular hypertension and glaucoma patients and provide evidence-based treatment. Risk calculators are not new to medicine. Medical providers use risk calculators to guide decision-making for the risk of a chromosomal abnormality in neonates, osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and cardiovascular disease in adults. This article describes the current knowledge of risk calculators in ophthalmology. Clinicians should recognize that the current risk calculators do not include critical information guiding treatment such as life expectancy and patient's willingness to commit to years of eye drops. Overall, eye-care providers should consider the results of a risk calculator as supplemental information when treating an ocular hypertension or glaucoma patient.