Angle Surgeries refer to a family of modern procedures that directly treat the eye's internal drainage system (the trabecular meshwork). These surgeries are usually performed from inside the eye, without the need for significant incisions or the creation of an external filtering bleb (as in classic filtration surgeries).
The Therapeutic Principle
In open-angle glaucoma, the main resistance to fluid outflow is located in the trabecular meshwork. In angle surgeries, the surgeon removes, cuts, or bypasses this blocking tissue, allowing fluid direct access to the main collector canal (Schlemm's canal).
Advantages of These Surgeries
Angle surgeries are considered minimally invasive. They feature faster recovery and a significantly higher safety profile compared to traditional surgeries, and they can often be conveniently combined with cataract surgery. Their effect is particularly beneficial for mild to moderate cases of glaucoma.