Canaloplasty via an ab-interno surgical technique in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of canaloplasty performed with the iTrack microcatheter (Nova Eye Medical, Fremont, USA) as a standalone procedure and in combination with phacoemulsification in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

Methods: A single-center, retrospective case series of eyes undergoing canaloplasty via an ab-interno technique with a diagnosis of PACG based on gonioscopy findings (Shaffer grading). Patients were excluded if they had previously undergone a glaucoma procedure other than Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI). Eyes were grouped by glaucoma severity based on mean deviation preoperative values. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications.

Results: Sixty eyes (9 canaloplasty-standalone, pseudophakic, and 51 canaloplasty + phaco) were eligible. The mean baseline IOP was 21.9 ± 7.3 mmHg and number of glaucoma medications was 1.95 ± 1.4. At the latest follow-up (mean 26 ± 9.2 months), they were reduced to 14.6 ± 3.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 0.96 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001). IOP reduction was statistically significant when canaloplasty was performed as a standalone procedure (baseline 22.78 ± 6.72 vs 17.00 ± 3.42 at the latest follow-up) or combined with phacoemulsification (21.75 ± 7.43 vs 14.21 ± 3.66) or if canaloplasty was performed in mild (20.8 ± 4.93 vs 15.5 ± 3.63), moderate (21.9 ± 8.58 vs 13.9 ± 3.90) or severe (23.5 ± 11.3 vs 12.4 ± 3.20) glaucoma eyes, with no difference between the groups postoperatively. Medication reduction was significant when canaloplasty was performed in combination with phacoemulsification and in mild glaucoma eyes. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusion: Canaloplasty via an ab-interno surgical technique, performed as standalone or combined with phacoemulsification, is a safe and clinically effective treatment in primary angle closure glaucoma patients up to 2 years.