Gonioscopy

gonioscopy

Gonioscopy is a simple eye exam that lets an eye doctor look at the angle where fluid drains out of the front part of the eye. Normally you cannot see this area just by looking at the eye, so the doctor uses a special lens placed gently on the eye while you sit at a microscope-like instrument. This view helps the doctor see whether the drainage area is open, narrow, or blocked. The angle’s condition matters because it controls how fluid leaves the eye and thus helps regulate pressure inside the eye. Knowing what the angle looks like guides diagnosis and treatment decisions for conditions that can raise eye pressure and damage the optic nerve. For example, it helps choose whether medicines, laser treatment, or surgery will be most helpful. The test is usually quick, causes little discomfort, and can prevent serious vision loss by identifying risky drainage problems early. It’s a standard part of a thorough eye exam when glaucoma or other drainage issues are suspected.