Angle closure glaucoma in the Northern Ireland Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

Purpose To ascertain the risk of angle closure glaucoma associated with mydriasis in the Northern Ireland Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme. Methods A retrospective case note review was carried out, cross referencing hospital records with those of the screening programme, to identify episodes of angle closure glaucoma, which occurred within 14 days of a retinopathy screening episode involving pharmacological mydriasis. Results Three cases of angle closure following mydriasis for screening were identified. The incidence of angle closure within the screening programme was calculated to be 1 in 31 755 patients dilated or 0.75 patients per year. Conclusion Angle closure is a rare complication of mydriasis used in photographic screening for diabetic retinopathy. We advocate the provision of clear instructions to patients in screening programmes on when and how to access emergency ophthalmic care following dilation to prevent loss of vision in this rare event.