Gonioscopy is a painless eye examination used to check the drainage angle of your eye. It helps the doctor determine whether the angle where fluid drains out is open or closed.

Why is it important for Glaucoma?

It is crucial for diagnosing the specific type of glaucoma you may have (Open-Angle or Angle-Closure). This determines the correct treatment plan, whether it be eye drops, laser, or surgery.

No. Numbing eye drops are used before the test, so you will not feel any pain. You might feel the lens touching your eye (like an eyelash), but it is not painful.

Gonioscopy Test | Glaucoma Diagnosis - Divyajyoti Eye Hospital

Gonioscopy

Assessing the Eye's Drainage System

Gonioscopy is a specialized diagnostic technique that allows our ophthalmologists to visualize the drainage angle of your eye—the area where the iris meets the cornea. This area is critical because it is where intraocular fluid drains out of the eye.

The standard eye exam does not allow the doctor to see this angle directly. Gonioscopy uses a special mirrored contact lens to overcome this limitation, providing a clear view of the drainage structures.

Why is Gonioscopy Performed?

1. Glaucoma Diagnosis

It is the definitive test to distinguish between:

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The drainage angle looks normal but isn't functioning properly.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: The drainage angle is physically blocked or narrowed by the iris.

2. Other Indications

To check for abnormal blood vessels (Neovascularization) which can occur in diabetes.
To look for eye trauma damage.
To detect cysts or tumors in the front part of the eye.

Common Questions about Gonioscopy

How is the test performed?

After numbing your eye with drops, the doctor gently places a special contact lens on your eye. You will be asked to look in different directions while a beam of light is used to illuminate the angle.

How long does it take?

The actual examination takes less than 5 minutes for both eyes.

Will my vision be blurry afterwards?

Your vision might be slightly blurry immediately after the test due to the gel used with the lens, but this clears up quickly. If your eyes were also dilated, the blurriness from dilation will last a few hours.