In vivo biometric measurements of the Schlemm's canal: How long is the Schlemm's canal?

Session Details

Session Title: Glaucoma

Session Date/Time: Monday 09/10/2017 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 08:06

Venue: Room 4.1

First Author: : K.Habon GERMANY

Co Author(s): :    J. Angyal   G. Scharioth                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Our study objective was to measure the length of the Schlemm’s canal under intraoperativ circumstances with the use of microcatheter during canaloplasty glaucoma surgery and to correlate these data with other biometric parameters of the eye.

Setting:

Aurelios Augenzentrum, Recklinghausen, Germany

Methods:

We measured the intracanal length of the Glaucolight microcatheter right after removing it from the Schlemm’s canal during canaloplasty glaucoma surgery. We also measured the corneal horisontal and vertical diameters with caliper at the end of the surgery. Based on these diameters we calculated the circumference of cornea: supposing an elliptic and a circle form. Other biometric parameters of the bulbus (axial length, corneal radius) were also documentated preoperativ through IOL-Master.

Results:

We measured 51 canaloplasty eyes (primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, pigmentglaucoma), the mean length of Schlemm’s canal microcatheters was 38,63±1,27 mm and the mean length of bulbus axial length was 24,2±2,15 mm. According to regression analysis of data, there was a positiv correlation between bulbus axial length and microcatheter length (r=0,408639, p<0,001952), so we can state a weak stochastic relationship. The corneal circumference based on in vivo measurements was 35,05±1,34 mm (elliptic form) and 36,11±1,30 mm (circle form). We can determine due to both geometrical presumptions a positiv relationship between microcatheter length and corneal circumference.

Conclusions:

Just like other biometric parameters of the eye, the length and form of Schlemm’s canal may have clinical relevant interindividual differences. Through intraoperativ measurement of Schlemm’s canal length with Glaucolight microcatheter, we can define a positiv correlation regarding catheter length vs. bulbus axial length and vs. corneal circumference, too. Our measurement data may help us to develop individual microsurgery devices (eg. catheters, implants) with optimal size and radius, so as to improve the quality of canaloplasty.

Financial Disclosure:

receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented