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, Opens dialog, 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.
Children who have a goniotomy for glaucoma need to be watched carefully after surgery to make sure their glaucoma is controlled. The pressure in their eyes, Opens dialog needs to be measured frequently.
Goniotomy is used to treat childhood glaucoma if the clear covering (cornea) over the iris (the colored part of the eye) is not cloudy.
Information about Goniotomy for Childhood Glaucoma
One year after surgery, goniotomy was successful for more than 80 out of 100 children who didn't have glaucoma at birth.footnote 1 If pressure in the eye increases, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Complications of goniotomy include bleeding, infection, and cataracts.
Citations
Gagrani M, et al. (2020). Surgical interventions for primary congenital glaucoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8: CD008213. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008213.pub3. Accessed May 6, 2021.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Gagrani M, et al. (2020). Surgical interventions for primary congenital glaucoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8: CD008213. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008213.pub3. Accessed May 6, 2021.
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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