Experience with argon laser trabeculoplasty in Nigerians

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Management
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Effective intraocular pressure (IOP) management is crucial for preventing glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) is a recognized treatment modality for open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
• To assess the long-term outcomes of ALT in a Nigerian population.
• To establish baseline data for ALT efficacy in this specific demographic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 25 eyes from 25 patients undergoing ALT.
• Patients were recruited from an ophthalmic clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria.
• Success defined by IOP reduction ≥3mmHg (Criterion 1) or ≥20% (Criterion 2) at 6 months and 1 year post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Mean pretreatment IOP was 19.9 ±3.1 mmHg, reduced to 14.9 ±2.2 mmHg at 6 months.
• Mean IOP reduction at 1 year was 4.6 mmHg (22.3%).
• At 6 months, 84.0% achieved success by both criteria; at 1 year, 76.9% succeeded by Criterion 1.

Conclusions:

• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) is a safe and effective treatment for lowering IOP in Nigerian patients.
• This study provides the first report on ALT efficacy in this population.
• ALT demonstrates sustained IOP reduction, supporting its use in managing glaucoma in Nigerians.