FAQs / Would I Be an Acceptable Candidate for Canaloplasty?

QUESTION:

Greetings Dr. Richardson,

Thanks for your response to my query. A little bit about my condition……I am 70 years old and have had POAG for years. My glaucoma specialist has recommended a trab for my left eye to reduce IOP from 15 to around 10. I have been avoiding this surgery for the last few years because of all the negative experiences I read about on fiteyes and am much more open to having canaloplasty. My visual field tests in this eye continue to show deterioration.

I had an SLT procedure 2 years ago; also years ago I had successful surgery for retinal detachment. Would I be an acceptable candidate for canaloplasty? I am currently on Timoptic, Simbrinza and Travatan Z.

I look forward to your response,

******

ANSWER:

Hello ******,

As I stated in my prior email, I cannot advise you as to whether or not you may be a candidate for canaloplasty without personally examining your eye at the microscope. That being said, there are some general statements I can make that may be helpful to you:

1. Most patients with open angle glaucoma are candidates for canaloplasty
2. SLT generally does not affect the potential success of canaloplasty
3. Retinal detachment surgery, however, may impact the outcome of glaucoma surgery depending upon the type of surgery performed

• 25g or 23g vitrectomy should not present a problem with canaloplasty
• Scleral buckling procedures, however, make all glaucoma surgeries (e.g. trab, tube, canaloplasty) more challenging and less likely to succeed

The real issue for most people considering canaloplasty is not whether they are candidates, but whether (1) their insurance will cover it, and (2) they can find a local surgeon who is skilled in this procedure.

I do frequently perform canaloplasty on patients who travel great distances to see me because they do not have anyone close to home to perform it. In general, however, this is a less than ideal option due to the travel expense and stress of being away from home for an extended period of time. It is my hope, therefore, that you would be a candidate for canaloplasty, that it be covered by your insurance, and that you can find a local surgeon to perform it as it much safer than trabeculectomy.

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: Fri, Jul 10, 2015 at 9:11 AM

Posted in: Canaloplasty, Canaloplasty and Medications, Canaloplasty and Other Conditions, Canaloplasty and Other Surgeries, Canaloplasty Safety and Efficacy