Gonioscopy

Why Gonioscopy?

The anterior chamber angle is essential for managing eye pressure. Anything that is not normal, such as blockages or structural disorders might disrupt the flow of fluid, leading to increased IOP levels. Gonioscopy detects those abnormalities initially, thus treating them timely before the optic nerve damage occurs with loss of sight due to glaucoma.

Who should have gonioscopy?

Gonioscopy is often advised for people having:

• Elevated intraocular pressure detected during routine eye examinations.
• Developing or suspected diagnosed glaucoma.
• A history of eye trauma or surgery.
• Signs of narrow-angle glaucoma, such as sudden eye pain, headache, or blurred vision.

How is gonioscopy performed?

The procedure involves the use of a special lens called a goniolens or Gonioscope that is put directly on the eye. Steps are:

• Preparation – The patient is put in a reclined position so that he or she may absorb the anaesthetic eye drops that numb the eye.
• Lens Placement – A goniolens is gently placed on the cornea for a comprehensive view of the anterior chamber angle.
• Observation – An ophthalmologist will evaluate drainage anomaly or blockage through slit lamp or microscope.
• Duration – The procedure usually takes about 5-10 minutes per eye.

Is gonioscopy an uncomfortable experience?

No, gonioscopy is a totally painless method. Anaesthesia drops are applied so that the patient does not feel any pain while the examination is being performed on him/her.

What preparation needs to be done for the procedure?

There is not much preparation involved. Patients should be:-

• Letting the doctor know about any medication taken, allergies, or existing eye conditions.
• Do not wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure.
• Follow any other additional instructions given by the doctor.

Are there different types of gonioscopy?

Yes, gonioscopy can be classified into two main types based on the lens being used:

• Direct Gonioscopy – Using a Koeppe lens, typically done in a reclining position.
• Indirect Gonioscopy – Gonioscopy lenses like Goldmann or Zeiss in upright sitting posture.

 What are the advantages of gonioscopy?

• Accurate Diagnosis – It provides in-depth introspection of the structure and functioning of the anterior chamber angle, which is a must for the diagnosis of glaucoma and other problems.
• Individualised Treatment Planning – Gonioscopy will help ophthalmologists personalise the treatment methods on the basis of the specific type and degree of angle defects.
• Opportunity for Early Intervention – Early detection would preclude an acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency.
• Comprehensive Eye Assessment – It complements some other tests, such as tonometry and the visual field, for a complete overall assessment of eye health.

Gonioscopy safety in routine yet usual operations that is accessible with very minimal risks. Only limited patients may incur the following risks:-

• Temporary Blurriness – Vision for a short while could be slightly blurry due to the anaesthetic drops.
• Mild discomfort— some of the individuals describe slight pressure at this time when placed on the eye with the lens.
• Light Sensitivity— may experience bright-light sensitivity either during or after the treatment.

These effects are temporary and usually clear up within a number of hours.

Complication on Gonioscopy

Indeed, the complications are very uncommon. However, it is better for those patients who have pre-existing eye conditions or those that are extremely sensitive to discuss their worries with the doctor first...

 What happens after Gonioscopy?

After the procedure, the findings will then be narrated to the patient by their doctor, and then clearance will be given in order to proceed and understand the next steps, which include:

• Additional diagnostic tests such as OCT or Pachymetry.
• Start or modify the treatment for glaucoma or any of the other conditions found.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments for monitoring.

Do they recover?

Gonioscopy does not require any recovery time. The patient may carry on with their day-to-day activities as normal immediately following the procedure. Temporary effects—such as visual blurriness or mild irritation—usually wear off after a few hours.

What should patients expect during recovery?

Patients should:-

• Steer clear of eye rubbing for a few hours to prevent irritation.
• Strictly adhere to the doctor’s directions concerning any prescribed eye drops or medications.
• Immediately inform the doctor of any rare symptoms, especially chronic discomfort or vision changes.

The frequency of gonioscopy depends on individual risk factors and the medical status of the person. In the case of patients diagnosed with glaucoma or highly susceptible susceptibility, it is likely that the gonioscopy procedures would continue to be performed intermittently as a part of their assigned comprehensive eye care regimen.

Conclusion

Gonioscopy plays a role in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of glaucoma and other anterior chamber angle pathologies. It means that the earlier, the better, based on its direct view of the eye’s drainage system, diagnosis, and treatment activities of diseases that would otherwise progress to permanent vision loss.

Tender Palm Eye Hospital’s efficient ophthalmologists integrate advanced methodologies with state-of-the-art instruments in diagnosing and providing service comfort levels in gonioscopy procedures, whether in the ordinary eye examination routine or the specific glaucoma assessment. His role in eye health continues to protect our patients’ eyesight inside and outside the practices. Keeping up regular eye assessments, including gonioscopy where called for, helps prevent and treat eye ailments effectively. Tender Palm Eye Hospital has personalised care and a commitment to excellence in taking you towards attaining your vision’s ultimate health and a brilliant future.

To Schedule an Expert Consultation for Gonioscopy in Lucknow, India