Glaucoma is a common eye disease that affects the optic nerve and can cause permanent blindness. It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but unfortunately, around 50% of them are unaware that they have it.

For a long time, the primary treatment option has been eye drops or medication to reduce intraocular pressure. However, patients often suffer from side effects from these treatments. Now, a new surgical method has been developed that provides a breakthrough in glaucoma treatment.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.

Typically, the damage to the optic nerve is caused by elevated pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. Glaucoma affects peripheral vision first, and if left untreated, it can lead to total vision loss.

Current Treatments for Glaucoma

The primary treatment for glaucoma has been medication or eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.

Some medications work by decreasing the production of aqueous humor (the clear liquid that fills the eye) while others increase the drainage of the aqueous humor. Unfortunately, these treatments can have side effects such as blurred vision, redness, burning, and stinging.

Other treatment options for glaucoma include laser surgery and conventional surgery. Laser surgery is a non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to open up drainage channels to relieve intraocular pressure.

However, laser surgery is not suitable for all types of glaucoma and may be less effective in lowering intraocular pressure. Conventional surgery involves creating a new drainage channel to reduce intraocular pressure. While this method can be effective, it is a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time.

The New Surgical Method – Ab Interno Canaloplasty

Ab interno canaloplasty is a new surgical method that provides a breakthrough in glaucoma treatment. This procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a microcatheter to restore the natural drainage system of the eye.

The procedure involves the following steps:.

1. A small incision is made in the eye to access the trabecular meshwork (the drainage system of the eye).
2. A microcatheter is inserted into the trabecular meshwork.
3. The microcatheter is then used to dilate the Schlemm’s canal (the primary drainage channel of the eye).
4. A special gel is then introduced into the canal to keep it open and flowing.
5. The microcatheter is removed, and the incision is closed.

Ab interno canaloplasty aims to restore normal outflow of aqueous humor without creating a new drainage channel or destroying the trabecular meshwork. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require any incisions in the conjunctiva.

It is believed that ab interno canaloplasty has a longer-lasting effect than other traditional glaucoma surgeries.

Benefits of Ab Interno Canaloplasty

Ab interno canaloplasty provides a number of benefits over other traditional glaucoma surgeries. These benefits include:.

• Minimally invasive procedure
• Shorter recovery time
• Preservation of the trabecular meshwork
• Longer-lasting effect than other traditional surgeries
• No need for a bleb (a blister-like structure that forms during some conventional glaucoma surgeries)
• No need for sutures to close the incision

Ab interno canaloplasty has been studied in clinical trials and has been found to be safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure.

It is also a suitable treatment option for patients who have failed to respond to other glaucoma treatments or have contraindications to other surgical procedures.

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Ab Interno Canaloplasty vs. Traditional Glaucoma Surgeries

One of the biggest advantages of ab interno canaloplasty is that it is a minimally invasive procedure.

Traditional glaucoma surgeries require creating a large incision in the conjunctiva, which can cause pain and discomfort, and may result in complications such as infection and scarring. With ab interno canaloplasty, the incision is much smaller, and there is less risk of complications.

Another advantage of ab interno canaloplasty is that it preserves the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is the primary drainage system of the eye, and it is responsible for maintaining the intraocular pressure.

Traditional glaucoma surgeries involve removing a portion of the trabecular meshwork or creating a new drainage channel, which can lead to further complications such as scarring and inflammation.

Ab interno canaloplasty has been shown to have a longer-lasting effect than other traditional surgeries. This is because the procedure does not destroy the trabecular meshwork, and it restores the natural drainage system of the eye.

Studies have shown that patients who undergo ab interno canaloplasty have a lower risk of needing additional surgeries to treat glaucoma.

Candidates for Ab Interno Canaloplasty

Ab interno canaloplasty is suitable for patients with open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma.

The procedure is not recommended for patients with closed-angle glaucoma or other forms of glaucoma that require different treatment methods.

Patients who have failed to respond to medication or other glaucoma treatments may also be candidates for ab interno canaloplasty.

The procedure has been found to be safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure, even in patients with advanced glaucoma.

Potential Risks of Ab Interno Canaloplasty

Like any surgical procedure, ab interno canaloplasty carries some risks. These risks include:.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Cataract formation

However, studies have shown that the risks of ab interno canaloplasty are relatively low. The procedure has been found to be safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure, even in patients with advanced glaucoma.

Conclusion

Ab interno canaloplasty is a new surgical method that provides a breakthrough in glaucoma treatment. The procedure is minimally invasive, and it uses a microcatheter to restore the natural drainage system of the eye.

Ab interno canaloplasty has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure, even in patients with advanced glaucoma. It is a suitable treatment option for patients who have failed to respond to other glaucoma treatments or have contraindications to other surgical procedures.

With its many benefits, ab interno canaloplasty is a promising new option in the fight against glaucoma.