eGleams - What is Gonioscopy?

Your April Newsletter from Glaucoma Research Foundation

April 2016 Gonioscopy: What Is It? Gonioscopy is performed during the eye exam to evaluate the internal drainage system of the eye, also referred to as the anterior chamber angle. The "angle" is where the cornea and the iris meet. This is the location where fluid inside the eye (aqueous humor) drains out of the eye and into the venous system. Under normal circumstances, the angle cannot be seen on exam. A special contact lens prism placed on the surface of the eye allows visualization of the angle and drainage system. Why Is It Needed? The pressure inside the eye is maintained by constant production and drainage of fluid. If the drainage system is not working properly, the pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure, can increase. High intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, the "cable" that sends images from the eye to the brain. This kind of damage is called glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. By looking at the "angle," physicians can determine if it is open or closed as well as if there are abnormal blood vessels, adhesions (synechiae), or damage from previous eye trauma. A closed angle is an abnormality that can predispose the patient to have a sudden or rapid increase in intraocular pressure. This increase in pressure can cause a very serious, acute form of glaucoma. Continue Reading... Related articles: Anatomy of the Eye Are You an Angle-Closure Glaucoma Suspect? Laser Iridotomy: 10 Commonly Asked Questions Related video: This video provides a brief introduction to laser iridotomy for treating narrow-angle glaucoma. Watch the video... Make a Tax-Free Gift With An IRA A Tax-Saving Way to Help Glaucoma Research Foundation... If you are 70½ years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Glaucoma Research Foundation and receive tax benefits in return. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as ours without having to pay income taxes on the money. This law no longer has an expiration date so you are free to make annual gifts to our organization this year and well into the future. Learn More on our Website... www.glaucoma.org

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