Sight Sciences announced that Cigna Healthcare’s Glaucoma Surgical Policy now covers both goniotomy (trabeculotomy) and ab interno canaloplasty procedures to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
Let’s start with the policy.
In general, Cigna’s coverage policy refers to established and emerging surgical procedures for glaucoma treatment, including aqueous shunts and proposed surgical interventions.
So what’s covered now?
According to its new policy, the following:
- Aqueous shunts/aqueous drainage devices
- Procedures
- Canaloplasty, whether performed ab interno or ab externo (NEW)
- Goniotomy, such as trabeculotomy and ab interno trabeculotomy (NEW)
- Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT)
- Viscocanaloplasty
- Canaloplasty and trabeculotomy ab interno
Why is this such a big deal for Sight Sciences?
The company’s FDA-cleared OMNI Surgical System is indicated for canaloplasty followed by trabeculotomy to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with primary OAG (POAG).
Ah . . . gotcha. Tell me more about this technology.
The OMNI technology is designed to allow surgeons to perform an outflow restorative procedure by delivering controlled amounts of viscoelastic fluid into the anterior segment and cutting of the trabecular meshwork when a trabeculotomy is indicated.
A catheter then advances into Schlemm’ canal, and viscoelastic is inserted to dilate the canal.
To note, this procedure can be performed before, with, or following cataract surgery.
See page 18 of Cigna’s updated policy for details on its use.
When is this new policy effective?
Per Cigna, the updated coverage took effect on June 15, 2023.