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Title	The prevalence of age-related sight threatening diseases
Abstract Nr.	2074

Purpose	To investigate the prevalence of sight threatening diseases in a healthy cohort from the University of the 3rd Age of Leuven.
Methods	All participants were at least 55 years old and without known history of ocular diseases. A general medical questionnaire was performed and the ophthalmologic information collected consisted of intraocular pressure, fundus pictures, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and a clinical examination with biomicroscopy.
Results	One hundred and two individuals aged 69.8±5.4 years (48 male/54 female) were included in the study. As a result of the screening 25 participants (24.5%) were referred for additional examinations. In 16 cases (15.7%) suspicious optic discs were the reason for referral. Three participants (2.9%) had ocular hypertension, and 2 (1.7%) were referred due to signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other signs that led to referrals for additional examinations were episcleral/retinal vessel tortuosity, unspecific macular changes, cataract, and posterior capsule opacification. No cases of diabetic retinopathy or wet-AMD were observed.
Conclusion	This study demonstrates that even in a self-proclaimed healthy group, ocular pathology is prevalent. A routine ophthalmological check-up is advised in order to detect these diseases.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	LEMMENS
Initials	S
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Last name	Barbosa Breda
Initials	J
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 3

Last name	Jacobs
Initials	T
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 4

Last name	Van Keer
Initials	K
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 5

Last name	Van Landeghem
Initials	R
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 6

Last name	Stalmans
Initials	I
Department	UZ Leuven
City	Leuven