Research progress on ab interno canaloplasty

Abstract

Canaloplasty is a non-penetrating surgical procedure to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma without a fistula or need for a bleb. Its advantages over glaucomatous filtration surgery include absence of subconjunctival scar and bleb-related problems. Evolving directly from canaloplasty, ab-interno canaloplasty (ABiC) is a new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure that can comprehensively restore the natural outflow pathways in patients with mild-to-moderate primary open angle glaucoma. Performed via a self-sealing, clear corneal incision, ab-interno approach, ABiC conserves the clinically proven benefits of 360° viscodilation of Schlemm’s canal by traditional canaloplasty. It uses breakthrough microcatheter technology to enlarge the trabecular meshwork , Schlemm’s canal and the collector channel system, improving outflow and lowering pressure. ABiC represents a truly minimally invasive, maximally effective and an excellent safety profile for reducing intraocular pressure as both a standalone procedure and when combined with cataract surgery. ABiC is also fast to perform and unlike other currently available MIGS procedures. ABiC preserves tissue and does not require the permanent placement of an implant in the eye. It has becoming a good prospect of application. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2017, 41: 187-191) Key words: glaucoma; micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS); canaloplasty; ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC)