AAO identifies five tests, treatments that warrant physician-patient discussion

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has identified five routine tests and treatments that ophthalmologists and patients should discuss in order to determine their necessity, according to a news release.

Taking part in the Choosing Wisely campaign to reduce the frequency of unnecessary and potentially harmful practices by encouraging discussion between patients and physicians, the AAO cited concerns over performing electrocardiogram or blood glucose tests before eye surgery without just cause, routine imaging tests despite lack of symptoms or signs of significant disease, prescribing antibiotics for conjunctivitis caused by an adenovirus, unnecessary use of antibiotics with intravitreal injections, and using punctal plugs to treat dry eye before trying artificial tears, lubricants or compresses.

"Some experts estimate that up to 30% of health care delivered in the U.S. may be unnecessary or duplicative," David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the AAO, said in the release. "Not only does this represent significant waste, but it also underscores patients' unnecessary exposure to risks associated with any test or procedure. … By increasing conversations between ophthalmologists and those they treat, we can better guarantee that patients receive the right eye care at the right time."

The Choosing Wisely campaign is led by the ABIM Foundation, part of the American Board of Internal Medicine. The multi-year campaign asks medical specialty societies to identify five common tests or procedures whose use should be questioned. So far, 25 societies have responded with more than 130 therapies that should be discussed.