Gonioscope is a medical device used to examine the front chamber of the eye. The word "gonioscope" is spelled phonetically as /ɡəʊniəskəʊp/, where the "g" is pronounced as "guh" and the "o" is pronounced as "oh." The "ni" is pronounced as "nee" and "os" is pronounced as "ahs." The "c" is pronounced as "kuh" and "o" as "oh." Lastly, the "p" is pronounced as "puh." The correct spelling of medical terms is essential to ensure accurate communication between medical professionals.
A gonioscope is a specialized ophthalmic instrument that is used by ophthalmologists to examine and evaluate the anterior chamber angle of the eye. It is designed to study the drainage angle between the cornea and the iris, known as the iridocorneal angle, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of intraocular pressure.
The device typically consists of a lens system, mirrors, and a light source. It is usually mounted on a slit lamp microscope for precise visualization of the angle structures. To conduct the gonioscopy procedure, a small amount of ophthalmic-grade gonioscopy solution is applied to the patient's eye to enhance the visibility of the angle structures. The gonioscope is then gently placed on the cornea, directly in line with the visual axis, and focused to observe the anterior chamber angle.
The examination with a gonioscope is critical in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions associated with abnormal or narrow angles, such as glaucoma. It enables ophthalmologists to assess the opening between the trabecular meshwork and the peripheral iris, the presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (adhesions between the iris and cornea), and the overall health of the angle.
Through the use of a gonioscope, ophthalmologists can determine the angle configuration, classify the type of glaucoma, and formulate appropriate treatment plans. The data gathered from gonioscopy aids in selecting the most effective medications, surgical techniques, or laser procedures required to manage intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.
The word "gonioscope" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "gonia", meaning "angle", and "skopein", meaning "to see" or "to examine". When combined, these words create "gonioscope", which refers to a medical instrument used to examine the angle formed between the iris and the cornea in the eye.