The Evonik-Mainz-Eye-Care-Study (EMECS): Design and Execution of the Screening Investigation

Purpose To determine if screening for major ophthalmological diseases is feasible within the frame of routine occupational medicine examinations in a large working population. Methods 13037 employees of Evonik Industries aged 40 to 65 years were invited to be screened for major ophthalmological diseases (glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy between June 2007 and March 2008 within an extended setting of occupational medicine. Ophthalmological examinations consisted of visual acuity, objective refraction, pachymetry, tonometry, perimetry (frequency doubling technology), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and digital fundus photography. Participants responded…