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Goniotomy for Childhood Glaucoma

Goniotomy is a surgical procedure in which the doctor uses a lens called a goniolens to see the structures of the front part of the eye (anterior chamber). An opening is made in the trabecular meshwork, the group of tiny canals located in the drainage angle, where fluid leaves the eye. The new opening provides a way for fluid to flow out of the eye.

What To Expect

Children who have a goniotomy for glaucoma need to be watched carefully after surgery to make sure their glaucoma is controlled. The pressure in their eyes needs to be measured frequently.

Why It Is Done

Goniotomy is used to treat childhood glaucoma if the clear covering (cornea) over the iris (the colored part of the eye) is not cloudy.

How Well It Works

How well it works depends on how severe the glaucoma is, your child's age when they were diagnosed, and several other things. Goniotomy is more successful for mild cases and for children that didn't have glaucoma at birth. For mild cases of glaucoma that were not present at birth, the surgery works for about 80 out of 100 children. If pressure in the eye increases, the procedure may need to be repeated.

Risks

Complications of goniotomy include bleeding, infection, and cataracts.

Credits

Current as of: January 11, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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