Experience with argon laser trabeculoplasty in Nigerians

To report the safety and efficacy of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).

This was a retrospective study performed on 25 eyes of 25 patients.

Consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria for ALT were recruited from the ophthalmic clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria and followed up for a minimum period of six months. Two criteria were used to define successful response. Criterion 1 was defined as IOP reduction of 3mmHg or more without additional intervention while criterion 2 was IOP reduction of 20% or more from the pretreatment IOP.

Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Frequencies and means were generated to observe patterns of variable distribution among the patients. P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

The mean pretreatment IOP was 19.9 ±3.1mmHg, (range of 16 to 26 mmHg). Mean post treatment IOP at 6 months was 14.9 ±2.2 mmHg, (range of 11 to 19 mmHg). Mean IOP reduction at one year was 4.6 mmHg, representing a 22.3% drop. There was a statistically significant greater IOP reduction in eyes (P<0.001) with higher pretreatment IOP. Based on criterion 1 and 2, 84.0% of the patients had successful outcome at six months while at one year, 76.9% were successful based on criterion one.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the efficacy of ALT in Nigerians. ALT is safe and effective in reducing IOP in Nigerians.

ALT is safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure in this population of Nigerians.

The present study did not receive any funds.