Outcome of Micropulse Laser in Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma in a Peripheral Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria: Our Initial Experience

Abstract

Aims: To determine the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and visual acuity changes before and after Micropulse laser treatment among patients with open angle glaucoma. Study Design: A quasi-experimental study design. Place and duration of Study: The Ophthalmic Specialists, a peripheral ophthalmologist group practice in Rivers State between February 2018 and December 2018. Methodology: Twelve eligible patients with moderate and advanced open angle glaucoma on medical (topical) treatment were recruited after they gave informed consent. Baseline visual acuity (VA) and intra ocular pressure (IOP) were obtained prior to the use of the micropulse laser treatment. Following the laser treatment, VA and IOP were assessed at one day, one week, one month and 6 month post laser. p=.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 12 patients were followed up for 6 months. Mean age was 37.42±7.00 years. Age range was 24-46 years with M: F ratio =1.4:1. Mean change in visual acuity across the time periods was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Mean IOP change over 6 months was 10.46mmHg (38.20%, p=0.0001). Median number of drugs used by participants dropped from 3 to 1. (P=0.002) Conclusion: Micropulse Trans- scleral cyclophotocoagulation is a safe and effective way of managing glaucoma. It caused a mean drop in IOP of 10.46mmHg (38.20%) over 6 months in our study.