Mini-canaloplasty as a modified technique for the surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma

Authors present a modified surgical technique for canaloplasty without preparing the classical trabeculo-Descemet’s membrane (TDM) and having to close sutures. Twelve patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) (aged 58–77 years) received the modified technique, which does not require the deep scleral flap to be excised, an intrascleral lake to be created, or TDM dissection. After accessing the Schlemm’s canal (SC), cannulation and placement of the sutures are made similar to those in the classical canaloplasty. The conjunctiva is closed via bipolar diathermy. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before surgery was 18.0 ± 8 mmHg, and the mean number of anti-glaucoma medications taken was 3 ± 1. Mean IOP at the end of the observation period (18.0 ± 6.0 months) was reduced by 23% (15.5 ± 4.1 mmHg), while the mean number of medications taken was reduced to 0.25 ± 1.0. In all eyes, the SC was successively opened, with no cheese-wiring. Adverse events included microhyphaema, mild corneal oedema, and folds in the TDM. The eyes recovered spontaneously within a few days after the procedure. The mini-canaloplasty technique may reduce the risk of complications associated with classical canaloplasty while effectively lowering the IOP in patients with OAG.