Advertisement

PentaVision

Publications

Glaucoma Physician

Ophthalmology Management

Ophthalmology Management

Retinal Physician

Retinal Physician

Glaucoma Physician

Glaucoma Physician

Ophthalmic Professional

Ophthalmic Professional

The Ophthalmic ASC

The Ophthalmic ASC

Presbyopia Physician

Presbyopia Physician

Corneal Physician

Corneal Physician

New Retinal Physician

New Retinal Physician

Article

The Evolution of Canaloplasty

Building on decades of surgical innovation, a new technique uses an implantable bioscaffold to enhance Schlemm’s canal function and lower IOP.

By: John S. McInnes, MD, JD, Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, Cynthia Mattox, MD

Glaucoma Physician May 1, 2026 Page(s): 7-8

Clinical Scorecard: The Evolution of Canaloplasty

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Open-Angle Glaucoma
Key Mechanisms	Intraluminal dilation of Schlemm’s canal and placement of implantable bioscaffold to enhance aqueous outflow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
Target Population	Patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Care Setting	Ophthalmology surgical settings.

Key Highlights

Canaloplasty enhances Schlemm’s canal function through dilation and scaffolding.
Ab interno techniques are emerging as less invasive alternatives to traditional methods.
Canaloplasty shows greater IOP reduction compared to viscoelastic-only dilation.
New implantable scaffolding materials are being developed for improved outcomes.
CPT code 66175 is associated with canaloplasty procedures.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Assess Schlemm’s canal diameter and function using imaging techniques.

Management

Consider canaloplasty for patients with inadequate IOP control.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Regularly monitor IOP and canal patency post-procedure.

Risks

Potential complications include canal collapse and inadequate IOP reduction.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults with open-angle glaucoma experiencing elevated IOP.

Canaloplasty may provide a durable solution for IOP management.

Clinical Best Practices

Utilize ab interno approaches to minimize invasiveness.
Incorporate novel scaffolding materials for enhanced canal support.
Follow established CPT coding for procedural documentation.

References

John S. McInnes

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: John S. McInnes, MD, JD, is an ophthalmology author focused on glaucoma. His work in Glaucoma Physician discusses the evolution of canaloplasty, including Schlemm’s canal dilation, implantable scaffolding, and surgical approaches intended to improve aqueous outflow and lower intraocular pressure.

Nathan M. Radcliffe

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, is a physician author in ophthalmology with a focus on glaucoma. In Glaucoma Physician, he has written on the management of glaucoma in eyes with intraocular tumors, including mechanisms of tumor-associated glaucoma and treatment considerations when intraocular malignancy is part of the clinical history.

Cynthia Mattox

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Cynthia Mattox, MD, is a physician author whose work in Glaucoma Physician addresses glaucoma surgical innovation, including the evolution of canaloplasty and techniques designed to improve aqueous outflow through Schlemm’s canal. Her writing focuses on canal-based glaucoma procedures and the development of approaches that use dilation, scaffolding, and implantable reinforcement to support sustained intraocular pressure reduction.