Ab Interno Canaloplasty (Abic) In Tertiary Ophthalmology Academic Ward In A Two Years Follow Up Period

Canaloplasty is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery designed to enhance the natural aqueous humor outflow through Schlemm's canal. Ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) avoids hypotony by utilizing the physiological drainage pathway. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of ABiC in managing open-angle glaucoma over a two-year follow-up period.

Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibinski University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.

Fifty-two adult patients with open-angle glaucoma and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal medical therapy underwent ABiC using the iTrack canaloplasty microcatheter (Nova Eye Medical) between 2017 and 2022. Only cases with successful 360-degree catheterization were included. Patients were followed for at least two years, with evaluations of IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness via optical coherence tomography (OCT), adverse events, complications, and the number of antiglaucoma medications used.

ABiC achieved significant IOP reduction, with mean values decreasing from 23.51 ± 9.17 mmHg preoperatively to 16.89 ± 4.93 mmHg at 24 months. Antiglaucoma medication usage was reduced from 2.57 ± 1.08 preoperatively to 1.20 ± 1.28 at one day postoperatively, stabilizing at 2.00 ± 1.29 by 24 months. BCVA and GCC remained stable throughout the follow-up. No severe complications were observed, although some patients required additional surgical interventions for further IOP control.

ABiC is a safe and effective treatment option for open-angle glaucoma, providing significant IOP reduction and stabilization over a two-year follow-up. Additional studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes and late postoperative complication rates.