Goniotomy is a medical procedure used to treat glaucoma by creating a new drain in the eye to relieve pressure. Its spelling comes from the Greek roots "gonio-" meaning angle and "-tomy" meaning incision. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be pronounced as /ˌɡɒniˈɒtəmi/. The stress falls on the second syllable, with the "g" and "n" sounds blending together to create a "gn" sound. This process allows medical professionals to accurately communicate the word and clearly understand its meaning.
Goniotomy is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. It involves the surgical opening of the trabecular meshwork, a drainage structure located in the angle formed between the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and the iris (the colored portion of the eye). This angle is where the aqueous humor, the fluid in the front part of the eye, drains out.
During a goniotomy, a small incision is made in the cornea to access the angle. A special surgical instrument, called a goniotomy knife or a microgoniotome, is then used to carefully remove a small piece of the trabecular meshwork, creating a new passageway for the aqueous humor to drain more effectively. By enhancing the outflow of fluid, the procedure helps to decrease the intraocular pressure, alleviating the strain on the optic nerve.
Goniotomy is a minimally invasive procedure commonly performed in children as a primary treatment for congenital glaucoma. It can also be utilized as a secondary measure in some cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, combined with other methods such as medication or laser trabeculoplasty, to improve intraocular pressure control. The success of the goniotomy procedure can vary depending on the severity of glaucoma and other patient-specific factors, and close monitoring and follow-up care are essential for ensuring the best long-term outcomes.
The word "goniotomy" is derived from the Greek words "gonia" meaning "angle" and "tomḗ" meaning "cutting" or "incision". Hence, "goniotomy" refers to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the angle of the eye, specifically the angle between the cornea and the iris.