Low-dose transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) as a potential single treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Malawi?

Abstract

Low-dose TSCPC caused a significant IOP lowering for up to 2 weeks (15 mmHg less from baseline) in most patients. After 3 months, this effect was stable in 50% of patients; in the other half, IOP nearly returned back to baseline.

Safety and effectiveness of primary transscleral diode laser cyclophotoablation for glaucoma in Nigeria

“…In 50% of treated eyes, the IOP returned to pre-treatment levels. 35 These poor outcomes are probably explained by the low power setting used. In the present study IOP control was defined an IOP of <22 mmHg, a target used in other studies.…”

“…32 In another study for a range of different types of glaucoma in Germany, 193 eyes were treated: at follow-up 90% of eyes with POAG had IOPs of 10 to 22 mmHg after single or multiple treatments. 33 There are only four studies reporting TDLC treatment outcomes in Africa, from Cameroon, 34 Malawi, 35 Ghana 36 and Tanzania, 37 which had different indications for treatment, varying outcomes, small sample sizes and poor follow-up.…”

Management of painful blind eye in Africa: A review

“…The studies on the use of CPC in Africa are few, and have varied methodologies with use even in seeing eyes but largely reported favourable reduction in the intraocular pressures. [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]…”

Outcomes of slow coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in a predominantly African American glaucoma population

“… 5 , 6 However, there is limited literature on the efficacy of such CPC techniques in different ethnic groups and different lens statuses. 9 , 11 , 12 Considering the known racial disparities in glaucoma incidence, treatment outcomes, and re-operation rates, understanding the safety and efficacy of SC-TSCPC within a racial context is essential. 13 , 14 , 15 …”