Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery a Viable Option in Africa?

Glaucoma is a public health challenge in Africa. Many of the affected individuals are not aware and the patients present with advanced disease. The management of glaucoma is also challenging due to a myriad of factors such as poverty, poor drug compliance and limited treatment options. The major surgical option in Africa is trabeculectomy which is usually reserved for advanced disease. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) has been found to be efficacious in the management of mild-to-moderate primary open glaucoma and ocular hypertension with minimal complications. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma procedures are usually expensive and cannot be affordable by average African patients. Low-cost procedures such bent needle goniectomy, Sinskey hook goniotomy and GATT with 5/0 prolene suture have been found to be comparably efficacious like their original expensive counterparts. Using these low-cost methods and the some the original MIGS procedures for those who can afford will enhance the management of glaucoma in Africa and reduce the reliance on medical therapy. Collaborative partnerships with Industry stakeholders will help in reducing the cost of the devices for MIGS and promote their widespread use in Africa.