Continuous Improvement and the Expansion of Quality ... - NCQA

T H E S TAT E o f H E A l T H C A R E Q U A l I T y 2 0 1 1 • H E D I S M E A S U R E S o f C A R E
GlAUCoMA SCREENING IN olDER ADUlTS
Glaucoma represents a family of diseases commonly associated with optic nerve damage and
changes in the visual field (narrowing of the eyes’ usual scope of vision). Disease development
is gradual, starting with “blind spots” and progressing up to complete blindness, with little or no
warning signs or symptoms. 1 The Glaucoma Screening in Older Adults measure assesses whether
older adults received an eye exam to check for this condition.
• Elevated eye pressure and older age are
key risk factors. With an aging population,
the prevalence and incidence of glaucoma
continue to rise. 2,3
• Untreated glaucoma is the second leading
cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S. 1,2
• Among African Americans, glaucoma is
the leading cause of blindness—African
Americans are six to eight times more likely
than Caucasians to have glaucoma. 3,4
the Case for Improvement
• Managed care organizations spend
approximately $1 billion ($2,000 per
patient) annually to treat glaucoma.
Treatment costs increase significantly as the
disease progresses. 6
• At least 4.2 million people in the United
States have glaucoma, but only half of
them know that they have it. Another 5–10
million have elevated eye pressure and are
at risk of developing glaucoma. 5
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• Glaucoma-associated visual impairment
affects the quality of life and the ability to
function independently, hampering basic
daily activities. Vision loss among the elderly
has been shown to result in social isolation,
family stress and a greater tendency to
experience other health conditions. 2,3
HEdIs Measure definition
The percentage of Medicare adults 65
years and older without a prior diagnosis
of glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, who
received a glaucoma eye exam by an eyecare
professional for the early identification of
glaucomatous conditions.
M E A S U R E S T A R G E T E D A T o l D E R A D U l T S