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 After Surgery
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.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.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
- Salim S, Walton D (2009). Goniotomy and trabeculotomy. In M Yanoff, JS Duker, eds., Ophthalmology, 3rd ed., pp. 1241–1245. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
|---|
| Last Revised | February 28, 2012 |
|---|
Last Revised:
February 28, 2012
Salim S, Walton D (2009). Goniotomy and trabeculotomy. In M Yanoff, JS Duker, eds., Ophthalmology, 3rd ed., pp. 1241–1245. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
