glaucoma research foundation logo in black
Filter by Categories
Eye Health
Personal Stories
Facts & Stats
Lifestyle Tips
Eye Exams
Treatments
Q&A
Research Updates
News
Filter by Categories
Eye Health
Personal Stories
Facts & Stats
Lifestyle Tips
Eye Exams
Treatments
Q&A
Research Updates
News

Canaloplasty: A Surgical Alternative for Glaucoma

Canaloplasty is one of several newer surgical alternatives to lower pressure for patients with glaucoma.

BACK TO BLOG HOME

illustration of an eye showing how elevated pressure causes glaucoma
illustration of an eye showing how elevated pressure causes glaucoma

Canaloplasty: A Surgical Alternative for Glaucoma

Canaloplasty is one of several newer surgical alternatives to lower pressure for patients with glaucoma.

Canaloplasty takes advantage of the eye’s drainage system to safely treat elevated pressure.

The most common approach to lowering pressure surgically has been trabeculectomy, which creates a hole in the sclera to let the aqueous fluid drain into the outer cyst or bleb. Trabeculectomy is still the surgical standard, but there are risks of complications such as infection, leakage, and irritation.

Canaloplasty utilizes a microcatheter or tube placed in the Canal of Schlemm (the natural site of drainage for healthy eyes) to enlarge the drainage canal, relieving pressure inside the eye. Studies have been published demonstrating long-term efficacy and safety.

Canaloplasty is a useful surgical option in patients with open angle glaucoma, especially in patients at high risk for infection or bleeding, and those patients who have had complications in the other eye from trabeculectomy. Patients who wear contact lenses may also be good candidates for this procedure.

The microcatheter used in canaloplasty has already been successfully used in other eye disorders. It is widely used to treat children born with congenital glaucoma in the procedure known as trabeculotomy, and has been used to deliver ocular medications to the back of the eye in patients with macular degeneration.

In summary, canaloplasty is a safe and innovative procedure taking advantage of the conventional drainage system of the eye to safely treat elevated pressure in patients with glaucoma.

 

Article by Richard A. Lewis, MD.
First published January 1, 2010; Last reviewed April 22, 2022.

image_print
richard lewis md author
Richard A. Lewis, MD

Richard A. Lewis, MD. Dr. Lewis is a cataract surgeon and glaucoma specialist in Sacramento, California. He is s actively involved in clinical research in national and international trials for glaucoma therapy.

back of mailing envelope. snail mail icon.

Print Subscription

We will mail Gleams anywhere in the United States and Canada, but we do not mail internationally. Please sign up for the email edition if you live outside of the US or Canada.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You can unsubscribe at any time. GRF will not share your personal information with any other organizations. Please see our Privacy Policy for further information.

folded paper airplane. email icon.

E-mail Subscription

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You can unsubscribe at any time. GRF will not share your personal information with any other organizations. Please see our Privacy Policy for further information.