The purpose of gonioscopy is to permit visualization of the iridocorneal angle (or simply “angle”). Before exploring gonioscopic techniques and findings, it is important to review the anatomy and function of the structures of the angle.

Color Atlas of Gonioscopy, by Wallace L.M. Alward, MD, and Reid A. Longmuir, MD, is a brief, but comprehensive, introduction to gonioscopy. Gonioscopy is a visual science, so the greater part of the book is devoted to illustrations of gonioscopic and slit-lamp findings, norm…

Among the abnormalities associated with a closed angle are pupillary block, plateau iris, aqueous misdirection, and secondary pupillary block, Hyperopic eyes are at highest risk of angle closure; such eyes have shallow anterior chambers and small corneas.

While gonioscopy remains the gold standard by which the angle is evaluated, numerous anterior segment imaging techniques exist to assist in determining anterior segment structure. The two most commonly employed techniques are ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and slit-lamp…

Viewing the anterior chamber of a normal eye directly is not possible. Light from the junction of the iris and cornea strikes the tear–air interface at a shallow angle, and it is totally reflected back into the eye; this is the principle of total internal reflection.

Primary infantile glaucoma results from failure of the angle to develop normally. The diagnosis of infantile glaucoma is usually made when parents notice photophobia with blepharospasm, tearing, cloudy corneas, or large eyes.

Glaucoma may be associated with a variety of predominantly ocular anomalies present at birth. They may or may not be accompanied by systemic features. The risk of glaucoma is lifelong and the assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its effects on the eye must be made th…