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.

Risks

Complications of goniotomy include bleeding, infection, and cataracts.

What To Think About

Medicines may still be needed after goniotomy to control pressure in the eyes.

References

Citations

  1. Salim S, Walton D (2009). Goniotomy and trabeculotomy. In M Yanoff, JS Duker, eds., Ophthalmology, 3rd ed., pp. 1241-1245. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Christopher Joseph Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology

Current as ofDecember 3, 2017