goniolenses

Goniolenses are specialized optical devices used in ophthalmology to examine the iridocorneal angle, also known as the anterior chamber angle. This angle is the space between the iris and the cornea, and its proper drainage is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure.

These lenses are typically contact lenses designed to be placed directly on the cornea. They feature a unique design with one or more mirrors angled to reflect light into the anterior chamber at different angles. By rotating the goniolens, the ophthalmologist can visualize various parts of the angle, which would otherwise be obscured by the limbus.

The primary use of goniolenses is in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. By assessing the angle, doctors can determine if it is open, narrow, or closed, which helps differentiate between types of glaucoma and predict the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. Different goniolenses offer varying magnifications and views, allowing for detailed examination of structures like the trabecular meshwork, Schwalbe's line, and the iris root. Some goniolenses are also designed for therapeutic purposes, such as performing gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculoplasty (GATT) or other angle-based surgical procedures.