Canaloplasty is a revolutionary glaucoma treatment.  It is a “non-penetrating” glaucoma operation which means it does not require creation of a hole in the eye (fistula) nor does it result in a “bleb” (blister) which is required with the more traditional glaucoma surgery called trabeculectomy (“trab” for short).

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Canaloplasty  does not create a full-thickness hole into the fluid-filled space inside the eye (anterior chamber), as with trabeculectomy.  Instead, the eye fluid flows slowly through the natural drainage channels using a breakthrough microcatheter technology, preventing a rapid and dangerous drop in eye pressure. This gives canaloplasty an excellent safety profile, with early eye pressure stability after surgery and faster recovery time. It also means less activity restrictions and post-operative visits for patients when compared to trabeculectomy.

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Essentially, this surgery is like angioplasty for the eye as it uses a catheter to dilate the natural drainage system.

As glaucoma can cause a permanent loss of vision, this procedure can provide patients with glaucoma a “peace of mind” not possible with use of glaucoma drops alone. Canaloplasty can reduce eye pressure by nearly 40%, and most glaucoma patients who have had Canaloplasty can cut their glaucoma drops in half. In some cases, Canaloplasty can even eliminate the need for Glaucoma drops. Canaloplasty is best indicated for Primary open-angle glaucoma, Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and Pigmentary glaucoma.  It can also be successfully performed in patients with failed trabeculectomy in which Schlemm’s canal has been left undamaged from previous filtrating surgeries.

Please also see a video direct comparison of canaloplasty versus trabeculectomy

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