Vision 2020 also needs to address glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy

NUREMBERG, Germany — An increase in glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy in Africa has made it more imperative that organizations such as Vision 2020 move beyond cataract surgery to encompass all sight-threatening diseases, Martin Kollman, MD, said here at the German Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting.

Dr. Kollman said primary open-angle glaucoma is becoming a more frequent problem in Africa, and diabetes is becoming an “epidemic,” with diabetic retinopathy also on the rise.

“There’s an increase because of fast urbanization and increased aging,” Dr. Kollman said.

Some African countries, such as Nairobi, where Dr. Kollman has worked, often present physicians with challenges in treating patients.

“There is no low cost and reliable screening test for glaucoma,” he said. “Medical treatment is simple, but there are problems with compliance.” Because of problems with compliance, trabeculectomy is the preferred treatment, but it requires resources, he explained.

“We want to treat glaucoma as part of Vision 2020,” he said.

Dr. Kollman said physicians should better control glucose levels in patients with diabetic retinopathy to help reduce the strain on health resources, and that patients should have access to early laser treatment as well.

“We need low-cost methods for early detection and treatment,” he said. “To do this, we need cooperation with industry and universities.”