Abstract
Purpose: :
Canaloplasty is a nonpenetrating glaucoma surgical procedure during which a tensioning polypropylene suture is used to permanently dilate Schlemm's canal and distend the trabecular meshwork to increase aqueous humor outflow. We assessed the ability of SL-OCT, a non-contact, infrared light-based technology, to show canalicular dilation and meshwork distension after canaloplasty.
Methods: :
Six consecutive patients underwent uncomplicated canaloplasty (2 combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification with lens implantation). All eyes were imaged with SL-OCT between 1 and 4 days post-operatively. Radial SL-OCT images were obtained at 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00 o'clock positions. All images were reviewed by 2 experienced masked observers.
Results: :
SL-OCT images showed canalicular dilation in 6/6 (100%) cases and trabecular distension in 4/6 (66.7%) cases and no distension in 2/6 (33.3%) cases. Hyporeflective microfiltration spaces were seen over the scleral flap in 4/6 (66.7%) cases.
Conclusions: :
SL-OCT is a useful modality for visualizing Schlemm’s canal and trabecular distension in the early postoperative period after canaloplasty. Additional larger, controlled studies to demonstrate a relationship between canalicular dilation and meshwork distension and IOP are needed.
Keywords: imaging/image analysis: clinical