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Published:
Feb 7, 2018DOI:
10.4314/gmj.v51i4.5Keywords:
Article Details
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Main Article Content
Experience with argon laser trabeculoplasty in Nigerians
Abstract
Aim: To report the safety and efficacy of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study performed on 25 eyes of 25 patients.
Methods and Materials: 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
Statistical Analysis: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Key messages: ALT is safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure in this population of Nigerians
Funding: The present study did not receive any funds
Keywords: Argon laser trabeculoplasty, Nigerians, Primary open angle glaucoma, intraocular pressure, outcome
