[The problem of glaucoma in Africa--progress report from Cameroon].

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world. This aspect is well known for the developed countries, however in Africa blindness mainly occurs due to cataract, trachoma and onchocercosis. Glaucoma is not mentioned enough. Patients present with severe findings after a long-lasting history of disease.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In our project experienced surgeons and young medical doctors have been practising regularly in Cameroon since 2001. By means of support from the "Komitee zur Verhütung von Blindheit" and medical industries we keep in contact with a local ophthalmologist. During the consultation of hundreds of patients we have often seen highly advanced glaucoma cases.

RESULTS

The medical therapy of glaucoma and also the surgical procedures are limited -- modern antiglaucomatosa are not available. We achieved sufficient regulation of intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy with or without cataract surgery in many cases. The success rate was decreased by severe scar reactions especially in young black people. In advanced glaucoma cases and oculus ultimus we also used the old techniques of iridencleisis. There was a good postoperative regulation of eye pressure, but sometimes we saw a giant filtering bleb after this iris-mutilating procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma is a very complex problem, also in Cameroon. Although the diagnostic possibilities are limited, the therapeutic spectrum is differentiated. The introduction of a robust laser for cyclophotocoagulation would be a useful alternative.