Conjunctival microcysts density increases after canaloplasty

Conjunctival microcysts density and surface area increases after canaloplasty in glaucomatous eyes, according to an investigation in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A team led by Dr Luca Agnifili, Department of Medicine and Ageing Science, Ophthalmic Clinic, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy, looked at 30 consecutive glaucomatous patients. Successful canaloplasty was completed if preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced by a third.

Confocal laser-scanning microscopy was used to examine the conjunctiva one week before and 12 weeks after surgery. Outcome measures included the mean density and mean area of the conjunctival microcysts and IOP. Postoperative trabecular distension and scleral modifications were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Twelve weeks postoperatively, canaloplasty was successfully completed in 23 patients (Group 1) but unsuccessful in seven patients (Group 2). IOP was measured at 28.1+/-2.98 and 28.3+/-2.81 mm Hg for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Baseline IOP was 28.1+/-2.98 and 28.3+/-2.81 mm Hg, MMD was 10.61+/-4.31 and 11.35+/-5.6 and MMA was 2845.02+/-411.85 and 2700.56+/-518.85 in groups 1 and 2, respectively.

It was found that density and surface area of the conjunctival microcysts were increased. The aqueous humour filtration across the sclera and conjunctiva were enhanced after canaloplasty.