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

5 Key Takeaways

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Canaloplasty enhances Schlemm’s canal function and lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) using an implantable bioscaffold.
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Traditional canaloplasty involves transluminal dilation of Schlemm’s canal followed by permanent scaffolding to maintain canal expansion.
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Ab interno canaloplasty techniques are evolving to provide a bleb-free approach with favorable safety profiles and sustained IOP reduction.
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Recent innovations include nitinol-based mechanical dilation and biologic tissue scaffolding for improved aqueous outflow.
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Canaloplasty represents a promising addition to glaucoma surgical options, with renewed interest due to new implantable materials.

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.

PentaVision

Glaucoma Physician

The Evolution of Canaloplasty

5 Key Takeaways

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