[Therapeutics of primary open-angle glaucoma in Cotonou: a series of 224 cases]

To determine POAG features and evaluate topical management in Cotonou, Benin, in order to suggest therapeutic diagrams adapted to local therapeutic conditions.

This was a retrospective, longitudinal study with cross-sectional collection of data from subjects with POAG who were admitted to the CNHU and Bethesda Hospital ophthalmologic center in Cotonou, Benin, from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2008.

Visual acuity higher than 6/10 improved from the first consultation (47.3% on the right and 43.8% on the left) to the second (62.5% on the right and 62.9% on the left). All the patients had received a topical treatment with predominance of monotherapy (59.4%) at the first consultation. Beta-blockers were the most frequently prescribed, alone or in association. They reduced IOP by 12.8% in the right eye and 14.6% in the left eye. The prostaglandins were responsible for 26.2% and 27.8% of IOP reduction in the right and left eyes, respectively. Whatever the therapeutic diagram, IOP decreased from one consultation to another (p<0.0001). The IOP was higher than 21 mm Hg in the majority of the cases at the first consultation (62.5% in right eye, 63.4% in the left eye) and lower than 21 mm Hg (75.9% in the right eye, 74.6% in the left eye) at the second. Dual therapy (t=72.2) was more effective than monotherapy (t=52.3).

The search for therapeutic effectiveness and better treatment observance should bring physicians to more indications of surgery.