Objectives: To determine the problems encountered in the management of primary congenital glaucoma in developing countries.
Methods: A prospective study of new patients with a diagnosis of primary congenital glaucoma attending the eye clinic of the University of Benin Teaching hospital, Benin City, Nigeria over a 5 year period, from July 2001 to June 2006. The age, sex, presenting complaints and duration were recorded. They were examined by the aid of a pen torch, hand-held slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope. Intraocular pressure and corneal diameter were measured under anaesthesia. The patients were followed up till June 2006 and the problems encountered in management were recorded.
Results: Eight children comprising 5 males (62.5%) and 3 females (37.5%) with primary congenital glaucoma were seen. All the patients (100%) presented with buphthalmos and 7 (87.5%) had corneal opacity. Four (50%) accepted surgery but only 2 (25%) eventually had surgery. Maximum follow-up was 7 months.
Conclusion: Presentation with features of advanced disease, poor acceptability of surgery, poor follow-up and low surgical rate are problems associated with the management of congenital glaucoma in Benin City, Nigeria.