Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Northern Ghana

Main Article Content

J Simon T Kenny I Murdoch

Abstract

We present an audit in Northern Ghana. A total of 283 selective laser trabeculoplasties (SLTs) were done between September 2021 and September 2024. Because of collinearity between right and left eye response to therapy, 145 eyes in 145 individuals with primary open angle glaucoma were included in the analysis. Outcomes were assessed at 1,3,6 and 12 months post index procedure. A success proportion of 75% (33/44) for any reduction in IOP from baseline and 57% (25/44) for a reduction of ≥20% was seen at one year post index SLT. No complications were seen. These findings are directly comparable to those from a major African centre but lower than Caucasian studies. This proof of effect in a rural setting adds to the evidence supporting use of this therapy as an important element in primary open angle glaucoma management in this region.

Keywords: Selective laser trabeculoplasty, Primary open angle glaucoma, Northern Ghana, Intraocular pressure reduction, Rural ophthalmology

Article Details

How to Cite
SIMON, J; KENNY, T; MURDOCH, I. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Northern Ghana. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 1, jan. 2025. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6141>. Date accessed: 10 feb. 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i1.6141.
Section
Research Articles

References

1. The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020. Burton, Matthew J et al., The Lancet Global Health, Volume 9, Issue 4, e489 - e551.

2. Glaucoma: now and beyond. Lancet, Jayaram H, Kolko M, Friedman DS, Gazzard G., 2023 Nov 11;402(10414):1788-1801.

3. Is laser trabeculoplasty the new star in glaucoma treatment? Töteberg-Harms, Marca; Meier-Gibbons, Francesb, Current Opinion in Ophthalmology 32(2):p 141-147, March 2021.

4. Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus eye drops for first-line treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (LiGHT): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Gazzard G., Ambler G. et al., The Lancet, Volume 393, Issue 10180, 1505 – 1516.

5. Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus 0·5% timolol eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma in Tanzania: a randomised controlled trial. Philippin H, Matayan E, Knoll KM, et al., Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Nov;9(11):e1589-e1599.

6. Physicians' clinical experience and perspectives following a pilot, blended learning, point of care ultrasound course in Ghana- a mixed methods analysis. Pathak A, Limbani F, Awuku YA, Booth A, Joekes E. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Dec 4;24(1):1415.

7. Awareness of Glaucoma and Eye Health Services Among Faith-based Communities in Kumasi, Ghana. Murdoch C, Opoku K, Murdoch IJ Glaucoma. 2016 Oct;25(10):e850-e854.

8. Factors associated with adherence to treatment in patients with open angle glaucoma in Sierra Leone, West Africa: patient demographics and questionnaire. Kennedy A, Abosi U, Gilbert C, Mustapha J. Int Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov; 42(11):3479-3493.

9. Bridging the Language Barrier in Health Awareness. Opoku K, Murdoch IE. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013;131(10):1367.

10. People and eyes: statistical approaches in ophthalmology. Murdoch IE, Morris SS, Cousens SN. Br J Ophthalmol. 1998 Aug;82(8):971-3.

11. Long-Term Safety and Outcomes of β-radiation for Trabeculectomy. Murdoch I, Puertas R, Hamedani M, Khaw PT. J Glaucoma. 2023 Mar 1;32(3):171-177.