The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) is an independent scientific committee appointed by the National Eye Institute to oversee the study and to evaluate study results. The DSMC determined that the evidence from the study showed that eyedrop medication to lower eye pressure was effective in delaying or preventing glaucoma.  The rate of developing glaucoma in OHTS was reduced by more than 50% in people using eye drop medications. In addition, there was little  evidence of an increase in side effects.  At 5 years, 4.4% of the participants receiving eye drop medication developed glaucoma and 9.5% of the participants not receiving eye drop medications developed glaucoma. The risk of developing glaucoma was reduced by more than 50% among participants receiving eye drop medications.

People with elevated eye pressure who have not developed glaucoma may benefit from early treatment to reduce eye pressure. The benefit will depend on the person's risk of developing glaucoma, age and other medical conditions. To find out your level of risk for developing glaucoma, speak with your eye care doctor. 

Who is at risk to develop Glaucoma?

In this study, the people who developed glaucoma were older, had higher eye pressure, more hollowed out optic discs and thinner corneas. 

The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee of OHTS, Steering Committee of OHTS and the National Eye Institute have approved a protocol modification so that all participants in OHTS will be encouraged to receive topical ocular hypotensive medication free of charge.

For more information please visit these sites: 
Washington University Department of Ophthalmology
National Eye Institute
National Intitute of Health
Vision Research Coordinating Center

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