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Flora Lum

Publications and source records attributed to Flora Lum.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Incidence patterns and genetic validation of primary glaucoma subtypes among 1 million adults in China and the UK.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) are distinct diseases, yet many glaucoma cases in population-based datasets lack subtype specification. We assessed incidence patterns of glaucoma subtypes in China and the UK and used genetic evidence to infer the likely subtype composition of cases recorded as unspecified glaucoma. METHODS: Incident primary glaucoma was identified from linked inpatient records in the prospective China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB; n=512 504) and UK Biobank (UKB; n=492 329) studies. Cohort-specific phenotyping algorithms defined POAG, PACG and unspecified glaucoma. Adjusted incidence rates were estimated by direct standardisation. To support subtype inference, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were constructed using ancestry-specific genome-wide association studies, including a new East Asian PACG meta-analysis, and tested for association with glaucoma phenotypes using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Over 12 years of follow-up, 1658 primary glaucoma cases were identified in CKB and 7643 in UKB. Most (>68%) cases lacked subtype specification. Incidence increased with age and was twofold higher among women for PACG in both cohorts and for unspecified glaucoma in CKB. In UKB, POAG incidence was fivefold higher among Black than White participants, with a similar but attenuated pattern for unspecified glaucoma. PRS analyses indicated that unspecified glaucoma closely aligned with PACG in CKB but was more heterogeneous in UKB. CONCLUSION: Healthcare-recorded incidence patterns for POAG and PACG were consistent with established demographic risk factors, whereas unspecified glaucoma showed differences in subtype composition between populations. Integrating epidemiological and genetic evidence improves interpretation of glaucoma phenotypes when detailed clinical information is unavailable.

Epidemiology↗
PubMed2005

Survey of ophthalmologists about ocular toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the number of patient visits to ophthalmologists in the United States that are associated with ocular toxoplasmosis, and to assess ophthalmologists' knowledge and treatment practices with regard to the disease. DESIGN: Written survey. METHODS: A random sample of 1000 US ophthalmologists was surveyed by mail in early 2002 by a questionnaire that was developed to collect information about physician demographics, and with regard to toxoplasmosis, number of patients seen, management practices, and knowledge about pathogenesis and risk factors. RESULTS: Among 478 respondents (48%), 261 (55%) indicated that they had seen one or more patients thought to have active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in the prior 2 years, and 445 (93%) indicated that they had seen one or more patients with inactive retinochoroidal scars thought to be inactive toxoplasmosis in the prior 2 years. There was a diversity of opinions regarding topics, including the timing of infection and risk factors for ocular involvement. Many ophthalmologists expressed uncertainty about questions regarding the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular toxoplasmosis is associated with a substantial number of patient visits in the United States each year. A variable understanding of the disease indicates a need for continuing medical education regarding ocular toxoplasmosis.

Chorioretinitis↗
PubMed2002

The development and demise of a cataract surgery database.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO; San Francisco) launched a national eye care outcomes initiative in 1996, in response to strong interest by third-party payers and managed care in performance measurement and outcomes. The AAO's outcomes initiative NEON (National Eyecare Outcomes Network) began with the design and launch of a prospective observational registry of patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: Participants submitted a common set of data regarding patients' demographics, preoperative ophthalmologic history, physical exam, test results, functional status and symptoms, intraoperative procedures and events, and postoperative outcomes for all patients undergoing first or second eye cataract surgery. RESULTS: Between January 1, 1996, and March 30, 2001, a total of 249 ophthalmologists submitted data on 17,876 patients undergoing first or second eye surgery. All preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data forms were submitted for 9,937 patients (55.7%). After surgery, 93% of patients achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40, 89% improved their visual functioning, and 92% experienced fewer cataract-related symptoms. DISCUSSION: At the end of March 2001, NEON was discontinued because of a lack of participation and demand by members or third parties for this information. The momentum for accountability and performance measures never quite materialized into advantages for contracting for physicians or requirements by payers. In the future, more scientific evidence regarding the validity and meaning of outcome measures and differences in measurements, investment in health information technology infrastructure, use of technology to collect information at the point of care, and incentives favoring data collection and analysis will be needed to pave the way for renewed interest in outcomes.

Cataract Extraction↗