Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is gonioscopy?
- When should I undergo gonioscopy?
- Process
- What should I do before undergoing this examination?
- How is the gonioscopy process?
- What should I do after undergoing gonioscopy?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is gonioscopy?
Gonioscopy is an eye examination to see the structure of the eye, specifically the corner of the eye drainage, where the cornea and iris meet. The drainage angle serves as the drainage area for the fluid from the eyeball. Gonioscopy examination allows the doctor to know whether the drainage angle is open or closed.
The gonioscopy procedure is usually performed as part of the examination to detect glaucoma. This disease is generally caused by high pressure on the eyeball, which is related to the drainage angle that is not functioning normally.
Glaucoma itself is usually divided into several types. The two common ones are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, gonioscopy can help the eye doctor find out what type of glaucoma you have.
When should I undergo gonioscopy?
An ophthalmologist will usually perform a gonioscopy procedure if certain conditions are found on your eye exam. The most common condition checked with this procedure is glaucoma symptoms.
In some cases, this test can also detect if a person is suspected of glaucoma, or has other signs that could develop glaucoma at any time. Therefore, this test is also important as a form of glaucoma prevention.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology website, gonioscopy is also sometimes performed to check for symptoms of uveitis, eye trauma, tumors, or other conditions.
Gonioscopy is also important as a routine eye examination for people who are 40 years old, regardless of whether there is an eye problem or not. This is important because the first signs of changes in the quality of vision can occur at the age of 40 years.
Overall, the goals of the gonioscopy procedure are:
- examine the front of the patient's eye
- check whether the drainage angle in the eye is closed or open
- check for any cuts or damage to the drainage angle of the eye
- know the type of glaucoma the patient has
- treat glaucoma with laser treatment
- check for birth defects that are at risk of causing glaucoma
Process
What should I do before undergoing this examination?
Generally, you don't need to make any preparations before undergoing a gonioscopy. However, you may be asked to do other eye exams, such as:
- tonometry (checking the pressure on the eyeball)
- ophthalmoscopy (also known as funduscopy, which is the examination of the nerves in the eye)
- perimetry (inspection of the side of the eye)
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before doing this test and avoid wearing them for 1 hour after the test.
It is important that you know the warnings and precautions before taking this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.
How is the gonioscopy process?
Gonioscopy is usually performed by an ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist. Here are the steps for the gonioscopy examination process:
- The examination is carried out using a special contact lens to the patient's eye. Previously, you will be given eye drops to anesthetize the eyes.
- You will be asked to lie down or sit on a chair.
- When sitting, you will place your chin on the backrest, and your forehead will be provided with support. The doctor will ask you to look straight ahead.
- A special lens will be placed in front of your eye. A microscope equipped with a slit light will be used to look inside your eye.
- You may feel the lens sticking to your eyelid. However, this process will not hurt because you have been given anesthetic drops before.
- Through the attached lens, the doctor will see the condition of the eye drainage angle with the help of light. The examination will take less than 5 minutes.
What should I do after undergoing gonioscopy?
If your pupils are dilated after the exam is over, your vision may be blurry for several hours afterward. Do not rub your eyes in the first 20 minutes after the exam, or after the anesthesia wears off.
If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
The results of your gonioscopy test will be divided into several possibilities, namely:
- Normal result: the drainage angle looks normal and is not closed
- Abnormal results: the drainage angle looks narrow, slightly split, closed, or blocked by a clear membrane
- There is a wound, tear, or abnormal blood vessels in the eyeball
If your drainage angle is closed, this could mean you have angle-closure type glaucoma. There are many reasons why the drainage angle is clogged. It could be due to cuts, abnormal blood vessels, injury or infection, and excess color pigment in the iris.
If the gonioscopy test results show that your drainage angle is abnormal, your doctor will recommend treatment to avoid increasing eye pressure. One glaucoma treatment option that might be suggested is iridotomy or laser.
Depending on your chosen laboratory, the normal and abnormal ranges of these test results may vary. Discuss any questions you have about your medical test results with your doctor.
