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Goniotomy for Childhood 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

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 needs to be measured frequently.

Why It Is Done

Goniotomy is used to treat childhood glaucoma if the clear covering (cornea) over the iris (the colored part of the eye) is not cloudy.

How Well It Works

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.

Risks

Complications of goniotomy include bleeding, infection, and cataracts.

References

Citations

  1. 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.

Credits

Current as of: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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