A gonio eye test, also known as gonioscopy, is a painless eye exam that checks the drainage angle of your eye. This area is where fluid drains out, and checking it is important for maintaining healthy eye pressure.
What Does Gonioscopy Examine?
- The main purpose of gonioscopy is to determine if the drainage angle is open or closed.
- This information helps assess the risk of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve.
- Gonioscopy allows ophthalmologists to directly observe the angle and identify any abnormalities.
How is Gonioscopy Performed?
The procedure is straightforward and typically doesn't require much preparation:
- Anesthetic Eye Drops: First, anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye and prevent discomfort.
- Gonioscopy Lens Placement: Then, a special contact lens called a gonio lens is gently placed on the eye. This lens has mirrors that allow the doctor to see the drainage angle.
- Examination: Using a slit lamp microscope, the ophthalmologist examines the angle of the eye through the gonio lens.
- Painless Procedure: The procedure is painless, though there might be a mild sensation of pressure.
Why is Gonioscopy Important?
Gonioscopy is an essential diagnostic tool because:
- Glaucoma Risk: It helps identify individuals at risk for glaucoma, particularly angle-closure glaucoma, where the drainage angle is closed.
- Early Detection: Early detection can enable preventative measures or treatment to be started in a timely fashion.
- Treatment Planning: If glaucoma is present, gonioscopy aids in planning the appropriate treatment.
When is Gonioscopy Done?
Gonioscopy is performed:
- During regular eye exams: It's often included as part of a standard eye exam, especially for individuals at higher risk for glaucoma or based on their age.
- Suspected glaucoma: It's always conducted when glaucoma is suspected or diagnosed.
- Assessing narrow angles: People with narrow angles between their iris and cornea will need to be regularly checked.
Summary of Gonioscopy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To examine the drainage angle of the eye. |
| Procedure | Using a special contact lens and a slit lamp. |
| Painless | Yes, it is generally painless. |
| Why it's important | Helps in glaucoma risk assessment and early detection. |
| When it's done | During regular eye exams, if glaucoma is suspected or if narrow angles are identified. |
