FAQs / My Wife Is 69 Years Old and Suffers from Low Tension Glaucoma. Is She a Candidate for Canaloplasty?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Richardson

My wife is 69 years old and suffers from low tension glaucoma, which has been treated with eyedrops over the past ten years, and she also had one laser surgery. She has recently seen three different doctors, all of whom suggested a trabeculectomy as an option to address her condition. We were very heartened to read about the alternate option of canaloplasty, which appears to be far less susceptible to post operative complications. Our only concern is that her target IOP is between 6 and 8, and from what we could deduce on a layperson’s level, this may not make her an appropriate candidate for this type of procedure. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely Yours,

B. Meigs via Facebook

ANSWER:

Hello B****,

Although I do have a number of patients who have IOPs below 10mmHg after canaloplasty, the average IOP achieved tends to be in the low teens. Those who have IOPs below 10mmHg are, for the most part, also taking prescription eye drops or had combined canaloplasty and cataract surgery (which often further lowers the IOP). As such, canaloplasty may not be the best option for anyone who (1) does not also have a visually significant cataract, (2) cannot tolerate eye drops, and (3) must have an IOP below 10mmHg.

Warm regards,
David Richardson, MD
Patient-Focused Ophthalmologist

San Marino Eye
2020 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
626.289.7856

Patient-Focused Websites:
New-Glaucoma-Treatments.com
About-Eyes.com

Date:

Posted in: Canaloplasty, Canaloplasty and Other Conditions