Ab-interno Trabeculotomy Procedures: A Review

Abstract

Purpose: To discuss the safety and efficacy of various forms of ab-interno trabeculotomy procedures. Methods: A comprehensive search in PubMed and Google Scholar was done using the keywords “glaucoma”, “microinvasive glaucoma surgery”, “complications”, “goniotomy”, and “trabeculotomy”. Publications discussing ab-interno trabeculotomy procedures were selected; furthermore, the relevant references in these articles were gathered and the search was updated during the article preparation. Since gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy was first introduced in 2014, we had no time restriction. Results: Ab-interno trabeculotomy procedures, as a type of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, facilitate the natural trabecular outflow and lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) while preserving the conjunctiva for possible future glaucoma surgeries. It can be done alone or in combination with cataract surgery and effectively lowers the IOP and the number of antiglaucoma medications in various forms of glaucoma. Conclusion: By appropriate patient selection, ab-interno trabeculotomy could be selected as a safe and effective procedure in the management of various forms of glaucoma either as an isolated procedure or in combination with cataract extraction.