TECHNIC OF GONIOTOMY FOR CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA

Abstract

GONIOTOMY is an operation for stripping or peeling embryonic tissue from the wall of the angle. If the cornea is clear, the operation is performed under direct vision with the aid of a prismatic contact glass specially devised for this purpose. If cloudiness of the cornea prevents the use of the glass, the operation is performed without it.¹ In recent articles²observations on congenital glaucoma and the results obtained during the past ten years with goniotomy performed on 76 eyes presenting congenital glaucoma were published. In 66 of these eyes pressure was normalized and vision was maintained or restored. In 10 eyes the operation was unsuccessful. It is the purpose of the present article to describe the technic of goniotomy, its mode of action and its indications and contraindications. The importance of early diagnosis and prompt operation is stressed. The operation is exacting. It demands teamwork and meticulous