Abstract
Methods::
Canadian provincial health insurance databases, which cover virtually all surgical procedures provided domestically to Canadians, were accessed to ascertain yearly total procedure numbers. To estimate the number of individuals with glaucoma, an age-stratified glaucoma prevalence model was applied to population estimates.
Results::
Laser trabeculoplasty rates dramatically increased from 2002-2005 with the national Canadian rate more than doubling. However, this increase varied widely across regions, ranging from 0 to 530%. Trabeculectomy surgery rates slowly increased from 1992 to 1996, then declined by 29% nationally between 1996 and 2005. Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation increased 12 fold nationally from 1992 to 2005. By 2005 GDD implantation accounted for 10% of glaucoma surgeries; however, this procedure remained confined to relatively few regions with only 6 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories providing this surgical service.
Conclusions::
Laser trabeculoplasty rates have risen significantly over recent years, coinciding with the introduction of selective laser trabeculoplasty. Trabeculectomy rates have recently declined while GDD implantation is playing an increasing role in glaucoma management in Canada.
Keywords: laser • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques