Canaloplasty ab externo: evaluation of its standalone benefits vs. combined with phacoemulsification in managing open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: This literature review was prepared in order to evaluate and compare the outcomes of canaloplasty (CP) performed externally (ab externo) and phacocanaloplasty (PCP) in glaucoma management in patients with coexisting cataracts.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Two independent reviewers screened and evaluated the identified studies.

RESULTS

A total of 6 papers were included into this review. The analysis involved 711 eyes treated with CP and 475 eyes treated with PCP, with surgical success defined as achieving intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mmHg either with medications (qualified success) or without medications (complete success). Both CP and PCP significantly reduced IOP and the need for medications, though PCP showed a higher cumulative surgical success rate than CP.

CONCLUSIONS

PCP offers improved outcomes compared to standalone CP.