Comparison of Outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy, Canaloplasty, and Viscocanaloplasty: A Multicenter Study

J Glaucoma. 2025 May 1;34(5):349-357. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002535. Epub 2025 Jan 16.

Abstract

Prcis: Deep sclerectomy (DS) and canaloplasty provide better intraocular pressure (IOP) control than viscocanalostomy. DS required less glaucoma medications but more interventions to reach the target IOP.

Purpose: To compare real-world outcomes of 3 non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS) techniques.

Methods: Retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing canaloplasty (CP), deep sclerectomy (DS), and viscocanalostomy (VC), across 9 European glaucoma units. Four intraocular pressure (IOP) criteria were used to define success at 2-year follow-up: (A) IOP≤21 mmHg and ≥20% reduction; (B) IOP≤18 mmHg and ≥20% reduction; (C) IOP≤15 mmHg and ≥25% reduction; (D) IOP≤12 mmHg and ≥30% reduction. Secondary outcomes included IOP control, BCVA, number of medications over time, risk factors for failure, complications, and post-operative interventions. Success was distinguished as qualified or complete, if reached with or without antiglaucoma medications, respectively.

Results: Six hundred eyes (545 patients) undergoing standalone CP (201 eyes), DS (200 eyes), and VC (199 eyes) were included. Qualified success rates of CP, DS, and VP at 24 months were, respectively: (criterion A) 85.1%, 67.6%, and 64.6%; (criterion B) 85.1%, 66.1%, and 58.6%; (criterion C) 76.6%, 55.5%, and 39.0%; (criterion D) 27.7%, 28.5%, and 22.1%. Success rates were significantly different across the 3 techniques ( P =0.04 or below), except for complete success according to criterion A ( P =0.07). Mean IOP(±SD) reduced from 25.2 (±6.9), 20.5 (±6.7), and 22.7 (±7.2)mmHg preoperatively to 13.1 (±3.1), 12.9 (±4.5), and 14.7 (±4.6)mmHg at postoperative year 2 in the CP, DS, and VC groups, respectively ( P <0.001 between preoperative and postoperative time points for all groups).

Conclusions: All 3 NPGS provide sustained IOP reduction, but DS and CP provide better success rates and IOP control. Success rates were low for the most stringent cutoffs, suggesting that other techniques such as trabeculectomy may be indicated when a very low target IOP is demanded.

Keywords: canaloplasty; deep sclerectomy; glaucoma; non-penetrating glaucoma surgery; viscocanalostomy.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Filtering Surgery* / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma* / physiopathology
  • Glaucoma* / surgery
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle* / physiopathology
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure* / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sclera* / surgery
  • Sclerostomy* / methods
  • Tonometry, Ocular
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity / physiology