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Glaucoma laser and surgical procedure rates in Canada: a long-term profile

Robert J Campbell1, Graham E Trope, Rony Rachmiel

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. rob.campbell@queensu.ca

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien D'Ophtalmologie
|August 20, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glaucoma laser trabeculoplasty rates have significantly increased in Canada, while trabeculectomy surgery rates have declined. Glaucoma drainage device implantation is becoming more common in patient treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Health Services Research
  • Medical Procedure Analysis

Background:

  • Glaucoma management is evolving with new laser and surgical techniques.
  • Understanding trends in glaucoma procedures is crucial for health service planning.
  • This study analyzes Canadian national and provincial glaucoma procedure data from 1992 to 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize Canadian national and provincial data on glaucoma laser and surgical procedure rates.
  • To track changes in glaucoma treatment modalities over a 13-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Canadian provincial health insurance databases for surgical procedure data.
  • Applied an age-stratified glaucoma prevalence model to population census data to estimate patient numbers.

Main Results:

  • Laser trabeculoplasty rates more than doubled nationally between 2001 and 2004, with significant regional variation (0%–530%).
  • Trabeculectomy rates increased from 1992-1995, then declined 29% nationally by 2004.
  • Glaucoma drainage device implantation rates increased 12-fold nationally (1992-2004), representing 10% of incisional surgeries by 2004.

Conclusions:

  • Laser trabeculoplasty has seen a significant rise in recent Canadian use.
  • Trabeculectomy rates have declined, with glaucoma drainage devices becoming increasingly vital in Canadian glaucoma care.

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