---
title: What is canaloplasty glaucoma treatment?
description: "Canaloplasty is a glaucoma surgery that enlarges the eye's natural drainage canal to improve fluid outflow without creating a full-thickness drainage bleb. ## How canaloplasty works The surgeon threads a microcatheter around Schlemm's canal, injecting viscoelastic to dilate it. A…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/treatments-procedures/what-is-canaloplasty-glaucoma-treatment/"
updated: "2025-12-31"
category: "Treatments & Procedures"
---

# What is canaloplasty glaucoma treatment?

Canaloplasty is a glaucoma surgery that enlarges the eye's natural drainage canal to improve fluid outflow without creating a full-thickness drainage bleb.

## How canaloplasty works

The surgeon threads a microcatheter around Schlemm's canal, injecting viscoelastic to dilate it. A tensioning suture may be left to keep the canal open and reduce resistance.

- Designed mainly for open-angle glaucoma
- Often performed through a superficial scleral flap
- Does not usually create an external filtering bleb under the conjunctiva
- Aims for moderate, steady pressure reduction

## Advantages and limitations

Canaloplasty preserves conjunctiva for future surgery and has fewer bleb-related complications. However, it may not achieve the very low pressures needed in advanced disease.

- Recovery can be quicker than with traditional trabeculectomy
- Suitable for patients needing pressure control but with lower risk profile
- Some may still require drops or further procedures
- Success depends on canal anatomy and surgeon experience