[Canaloplasty. A new way in glaucoma surgery?]

Evaluation of the surgical treatment of open angle glaucoma depends on values, such as target pressure, success rates and complication rates. Canaloplasty is a new non-penetrating method for glaucoma surgery and the aim of this article is to present the surgical approach, indications, results and post-operative therapy. During the operation a viscocanalostomy according to Robert Stegmann is performed. Subsequently a microcatheter with an outer diameter of 200 μ is used to circumferentially dilate Schlemm's canal. During the dilation microvolumes of a high viscosity ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) (sodium hyaluronate) are injected. After successful dilation the catheter is retracted and at the same time a 10.0 Prolene suture is placed in the canal and closed tightly to apply permanent tension to the trabecular meshwork.