Compendium Guidelines

Compendium of Evidence-Based Eye Care™

Level I:

Vision Rehabilitation for Adults PPP

Discusses evaluation of visual function, functional implications of vision impairment, and psychological status plus a comprehensive resource section and the SmartSight™ materials.
Date: October 2007
Source: AAO Vision Rehabilitation Committee
Subspecialty: 
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Pediatric Eye Evaluations PPP: Screening and Comprehensive Ophthalmic Evaluation

A thorough update of pediatric eye screening and comprehensive pediatric ophthalmic evaluation with tables of recommended ages and methods for pediatric eye screening and indications to refer a child for a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery PPP

An evidence-based update on refractive management with surgery, glasses, and contact lenses, containing specific recommendations about refractive surgery patients including PRK, epi-LASIK, LASEK, LASIK, phakic IOLs, and refractive lens exchange.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Refractive Management/Intervention PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Amblyopia PPP

Evidence-based update on the diagnosis and management of amblyopia with detailed recommendations for the initial amblyopia evaluation and management options of optical correction, occlusion, penalization, and surgery.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Esotropia and Exotropia PPP

Detailed recommendations for the initial strabismus evaluation and management options for esotropia and exotropia. Treatments discussed include correcting refractive errors, bifocals, prism therapy, amblyopia treatment, convergence exercises, and extraocular muscle surgery.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Evidence-based update with detailed recommendations for management of AMD including observation, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, thermal laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents.
Date: October 2006
Source: AAO Retina PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Cataract in the Adult Eye PPP

Discusses risk factors, visual function and quality of life issues, detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation with specific recommendations for biometry and IOL power calculation, and covers special situations such as cataract surgery following refractive surgery.
Date: September 2006
Source: AAO Cataract and Anterior Segment PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma PPP

Evidence-based update of the diagnosis and management of primary open-angle glaucoma with an algorithm for patient management and specific recommendations for adjustment of therapy.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Glaucoma PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Suspect PPP

Evidence-based update of the diagnosis and management of primary open-angle glaucoma suspect with detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment options.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Glaucoma PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation PPP

A thorough evidence-based update of the rationale and components for ophthalmic evaluation of an adult patient.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO PPP Committee
Subspecialty: 
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Primary Angle Closure PPP

Evidence-based update of the diagnosis and management of primary open-angle glaucoma suspect with detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment options.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Glaucoma PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Bacterial Keratitis PPP

An evidence-based update on the diagnosis and management of bacterial keratitis. It contains detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with presumed bacterial keratitis, and for diagnostic tests and treatment.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Cornea/External Disease PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Idiopathic Macular Hole PPP

Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment of a patient with macular hole and a discussion of surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of surgery, and predictors of visual results. Treatment recommendations are provided specifically at each stage of macular hole.
Date: September 2003
Source: AAO Retina PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Blepharitis PPP

Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with presumed blepharitis, and for diagnostic tests and treatment.
Date: September 2003
Source: AAO Cornea/External Disease PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Posterior Vitreous Detachment, Retinal Breaks, and Lattice Degeneration PPP

Evidence-based update on evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients with precursors to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment such as PVD, retinal breaks, and lattice degeneration.
Date: September 2003
Source: AAO Retina PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Conjunctivitis PPP

Recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with conjunctivitis and a discussion of associated or predisposing factors and the natural history of each type of conjunctivitis. Treatment recommendations are specific to each type of conjunctivitis.
Date: January 2006
Source: AAO Cornea/External Disease PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Diabetic Retinopathy PPP

Detailed evidence-based recommendations for treatment by stage of retinopathy with and without macular edema and contains an extensive discussion of prevention and early detection of diabetic retinopathy.
Date: September 2003
Source: AAO Retina PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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Dry Eye Syndrome PPP

Updated epidemiology section and new pathogenesis section. Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment of a patient with dry eye and a detailed discussion of diagnostic tests.
Date: September 2003
Source: AAO Cornea/External Disease PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
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International Clinical Classification System for Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

International disease severity scale based on the ETDRS classification of diabetic retinopathy, clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies.
Date: October 2002
Source: Global Diabetic Retinopathy Project Task Force and Invitational Workshop
Subspecialty: 
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Level II:

Cataract Surgery in the Second Eye

Briefly reviews the indications for cataract surgery in the second eye, the benefits of surgery, the timing of surgery, and simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery.
Date: February 2007
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity

A joint Academy, AAP and AAPOS paper outlines the principles on which a screening program to detect ROP in infants at risk might be based and suggests guidelines for the United States.
Date: September 2006
Source: AAO, AAP and AAPOS
Subspecialty: 
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Perioperative Visual Loss Associated with Spine Surgery

A practice advisory from the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends perioperative interventions for patients undergoing spine surgery to prevent visual loss.
Date: September 2005
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists
Subspecialty: 
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Recommendations on Screening for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy

Provides consensus recommendations for screening low risk and high risk patients for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine toxicity.
Date: April 2002
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Minimizing Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens and Surface Infectious Agents in Ophthalmic Offices and Operating Rooms

Recommends measures for the protection of patients, staff, and ophthalmologists in the ophthalmic care setting.
Date: March 2002
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Routine Preoperative Laboratory Testing For Patients Scheduled For Cataract Surgery

Examines the necessity of routine medical tests performed on patients before cataract surgery.
Date: January 2000
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
Full Text

The Prophylactic Use of Vancomycin For Intraocular Surgery Information Statement

The Academy and CDC examined the current evidence regarding the efficacy and potential consequences of routine prophylactic use of vancomycin for intraocular surgery.
Date: October 1999
Source: AAO and Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Subspecialty: 
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Level III:

Glasses as a Medical Necessity

Examines the role of glasses in preventing visual loss.
Date: May 2007
Source: AAO and AAPOS
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (20k)

Vision Screening for Infants and Children

Discusses the necessity of timely screening for the early detection and treatment of eye and vision problems in America’s children.
Date: March 2007
Source: AAO and AAPOS
Subspecialty: 
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Adult Strabismus Surgery

Reviews the indications for surgical intervention in adult strabismus.
Date: January 2007
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (225k)

Amblyopia is a Medical Condition

Evaluates the nature of amblyopia and the importance of proper medical treatment.
Date: December 2006
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Frequency of Ocular Examinations

Provides guidance on the frequency of ocular examinations, depending upon the individual's age, race, past ocular history, medical history, family history of eye disease, and the types of symptoms or ocular findings encountered.
Date: August 2006
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Guidelines for Appropriate Referral of Persons with Possible Eye Diseases or Injury

Lists signs and conditions that warrant prompt referral to an MD or DO, preferably to an ophthalmologist, for definitive diagnosis and necessary medical treatment.
Date: February 2005
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Extended Wear of Contact Lenses

Describes risks of extended wear contact lenses and recommends patient education about good hygiene
Date: January 2008
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Protective Eyewear for Young Athletes

Evaluates the role of protective eyewear in reducing the risk of significant eye injury and provides recommendations for eyewear satisfactory for eye-injury risk sports.
Date: November 2003
Source: AAO Quality of Care Secretariat
Subspecialty: 
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Eye Examination in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians

A Joint Statement with the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Certified Orthoptists, American Association for Pediatric Opthalmology and Strabismus, and American Academy of Opthalmology outlining the need for early detection and prompt treatment of ocular disorders in children.
Date: April 2003
Source: AAO, AAP, AACO and AAPOS
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (68k)