Safety and effectiveness of primary transscleral diode laser cyclophotoablation for glaucoma in Nigeria.

IMPORTANCE

To investigate the safety, effectiveness and follow-up rates after transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation as primary treatment for seeing eyes with primary open angle glaucoma in Bauchi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma in Africa where adherence to medical treatment and acceptance of surgery are poor.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

New glaucoma patients where surgical intervention was recommended.

METHODS

A diode 810 nm laser G-probe was used under retrobulbar anaesthesia to deliver approximately 20 shots for 2000 ms, titrating the power. If both eyes were treated the first was the study eye. Repeat treatment offered if the intraocular pressure (IOP) was >21 mmHg on two consecutive visits.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

IOP < 22 mmHg, change in ≥2 lines of Snellen visual acuity (VA), and complications.

RESULTS

201 out of 204 eyes with complete data analysed. Mean age 52 years, 17 (8.3%) eyes were re-treated. Mean pre-treatment IOP was 39 (SD 11) mmHg. 106 (53%) attended at 12 months when the mean IOP was 19 (7-45) mmHg; 77 (73%) had IOP < 22 mmHg. VAs were better in 13 (12.3%) and worse in 23 (21.7%) eyes. Postoperative complications included mild uveitis (5.5%), corneal oedema (2.5%), severe uveitis (0.5%) and transient hypotony (2.0%). No hypotony at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation controlled IOP in almost three quarters of eyes at 12 months with short-term preservation of vision and minimal complications. Poor follow-up in this setting highlights the need for an effective, safe and acceptable treatment where regular follow-up is less critical.