Canaloplasty

canaloplasty

Canaloplasty is a surgical method designed to improve the eye’s natural drainage by opening and widening Schlemm’s canal, a circular channel that carries fluid out of the eye. During the procedure, a surgeon threads a tiny catheter through the canal and often injects a dilating fluid; a fine suture may then be placed and tightened to keep the canal gently open. The result is better outflow of aqueous fluid, which can lower intraocular pressure without creating a new external drainage bleb or opening the eye fully to the outside. Canaloplasty is considered a non-penetrating or less invasive alternative to more aggressive glaucoma surgeries and is usually aimed at patients with open-angle glaucoma. This operation matters because lowering eye pressure reduces the risk that glaucoma will worsen and lead to vision loss, while offering a lower complication profile than some traditional surgeries. Recovery is typically smoother, and the technique avoids some of the long-term risks associated with creating an external drainage pathway. Still, canaloplasty may not achieve as large a pressure drop as more invasive options, and its effectiveness can be limited if there is high resistance beyond Schlemm’s canal. Possible side effects include temporary inflammation or swelling, and some patients might continue using medication afterward. Choosing canaloplasty involves weighing the expected pressure reduction, safety, and individual eye anatomy with an eye surgeon.