Open AccessCOVID-19 and the Rationale for Primary Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Africa
Author(s) -
Daniel Milad,
David Mikhail,
Markus Lenzhofer,
Jérémie Agré,
Andrew Toren
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of glaucoma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.11
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1536-481X
pISSN - 1057-0829
DOI - 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001997
Subject(s) - medicine , ophthalmology , laser , covid-19 , glaucoma , intraocular pressure , optometry , optics , physics , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected ophthalmologists' practices worldwide. Consequent global drug shortages and the limitations of medical glaucoma treatments in sub-Saharan Africa have highlighted the need for innovation in global ophthalmology to provide accessible, affordable, and effective glaucoma care. The role of lasers rather than medications for glaucoma patients in developing nations is emerging. Since lasers are easier to master than glaucoma surgery, it is pertinent to discuss the primary use of lasers in treating glaucoma in such nations. In particular, selective laser trabeculoplasty and diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation seem to present a promising future for the treatment of glaucoma in Africa. In this report, we provide an evidence-based discussion exploring the emerging role of lasers in Africa.