Micro-trephination Glaucoma Surgery In Nigerians: 10 Years Outcome

The aim of this study was to show the effectiveness of microtrephination glaucoma surgery in Nigerians followed up for up to 10 years. Eight eyes of 5 Nigerian patients who had microtrephination glaucoma surgery at DDS Eye Surgery, Benin City and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City were followed up for at least 10 years. The visual acuity, cup disc ratio and intraocular pressures were monitored in each eye. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry in all cases. Two eyes (25%) had adequate intraocular pressure control and did not require additional medications after 10 years. The remaining 6 eyes (75%) did not have satisfactory intraocular pressure control and needed additional antiglaucoma medication. Micro-trephination appears to be unsatisfactory for effective control of intra-ocular pressure in Nigerian eyes. However the great potential of microtrephination making glaucoma surgery affordable and available to Nigerians and other developing countries may still be realizable. What may be required is to determine the appropriate diameter of the trephine that strikes adequate balance between preventing hypotony and obliteration.