Canaloplasty: A Closer Look at This Advanced Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. It is usually tied to abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP). Since the optic nerve is responsible for delivering images to your brain, damage can lead to irreversible vision loss and even total blindness.

It is crucial to detect glaucoma as soon as possible and begin managing it. Our highly-experienced New Jersey ophthalmologists can help match you with the best way to lower your IOP. One of the next-generation treatments available to you is called a canaloplasty.

How is a Canaloplasty Performed?

A canaloplasty is a form of eye surgery that is performed to lower IOP. While a canaloplasty — like other glaucoma treatments — can’t cure the disease, it can dramatically slow its progression and preserve your sight. It is often performed on patients in the early to moderate stages of open-angle glaucoma.

Canaloplasty should only be performed by a highly skilled eye surgeon, like those here at SightMD Associates. The process involves enlarging the eye’s natural drainage system known as the Schlemm’s canal.

Enlarging this channel with a microcatheter supports proper fluid drainage, lowing damaging IOP levels. When performed by an experienced professional, the surgery is relatively safe and predictable.

What Are The Advantages of Canaloplasty?

In the right patients, canaloplasty surgery has numerous benefits. First of all, it is generally less invasive than a trabeculectomy (another IOP-reducing surgery) and tends to have fewer side effects. Other advantages include:

• It can offer both short- and long-term reduction in eye pressure
• It can reduce or eliminate the need for IOP-lowering eye drops
• It is an effective alternative to medications and laser treatments
• It is minimally-invasive
• It is non-penetrating, meaning it does not create a hole in the eye
• It uses the eye’s natural drainage system
• It does not create a bleb, a blister-like collection of fluid on the surface of the eye
• The recovery time is short, and most patients can quickly resume normal activities
• There are no ongoing activity restrictions after surgery, unlike some other treatment options
• Post-surgical eye pressure tends to stabilize early on

Why Choose SightMD For Your Canaloplasty?

At SightMD, our doctors are committed to safely achieving optimal outcomes for our patients. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are highly-experienced eye surgeons who together have performed over 28,000 microsurgical procedures. They have the skill and advanced training required to perform complex canaloplasty surgeries successfully. Additionally, they are incredibly versed in low vision matters. Our doctors only recommend and perform this procedure if they feels confident that you will benefit from it. He is diligent and attentive through the entire process, from your initial consultation to learn about your candidacy to your post-operative check-ups.

Find The Right Glaucoma Treatment

Canaloplasty is a great way to manage glaucoma, but it isn’t the only option. There are other methods of lowering your IOP, including prescription eye drops and a procedure called the XEN® Gel stent.

Learn what’s best for your situation during your comprehensive eye examination. Contact SightMD to schedule your visit to any of our locations. We have offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.