Goniotomy for Congenital Glaucoma
Surgery Overview
Goniotomy is a surgical procedure in which the doctor uses a lens called a goniolens to see the structures of the front part of the eye (anterior chamber). An opening is made in the trabecular meshwork, the group of tiny canals located in the drainage angle, where fluid leaves the eye. The new opening provides a way for fluid to flow out of the eye. Goniotomy is a surgery for children only.
What To Expect
Babies who have goniotomy for glaucoma need to be watched carefully after surgery to make sure their glaucoma is controlled. The pressure in their eyes needs to be measured frequently.
Why It Is Done
Goniotomy is used to treat congenital glaucoma if the clear covering (cornea) over the iris (the colored part of the eye) is not cloudy.
How Well It Works
Goniotomy is successful for more than 80 out of 100 children whose glaucoma was not present at birth.footnote 1 If pressure in the eye increases, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Current as of: December 3, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Christopher Joseph Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
