Since Barkan’s description of goniotomy in 1936 [1], angle surgery was primarily confined to the pediatric age group [2]. However, following the FDA approval of the Trabectome [3] (NeoMedix) in 2006 and the iStent [4] (Glaukos Corp.) in 2012, there has been an exponential growth within the micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) arena, especially amongst the adult population [5-9]. Over the last decade, several other micro-stent devices are currently awaiting clinical trials or nearing commercialization (Table 1) [7-9]. Independent of the dynamic progress within this field, the ratelimiting step and key to successful angle surgery will remain optimal visualization of angle anatomy with intraoperative direct gonioscopy [10].

Table 1: Gonioscopic assisted angle surgeries.

Surgical gonioscopy forms part of a continuum of essential perioperative steps (Table 2) ophthalmologists need to consider if they wish to embark on operating in a surgically confined space of 0.7 mm [11] within the angle. However, the need to learn this new skill set does not replace the pre-operative slit lamp based indirect gonioscopy needed for surgical planning [12]. In a chart review of patients undergoing ocular medical therapy, <50% had documentation of gonioscopy [13]. Additionally, an analysis of Medicare claims data showed that only 50% of open angle glaucoma patients undergoing surgery had a claim for pre-operative gonioscopy [14].

Table 2: Essential perioperative steps for successful angle surgery. OVD: Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device.

Familiarity of angle anatomy is essential in determining a patient’s surgical candidacy. Is the angle open or closed? If closure is present, is it appositional or synechial? Identification of the scleral spur serves as the surgical landmark separating the conventional outflow pathway anteriorly (via the trabecular meshwork for canal based surgery) from the uveoscleral pathway posteriorly (via the ciliary body for suprachoroid based surgery) (Figure 1). For novice surgeons, initial consideration for a peri- or retrobulbar block to attain akinesia is a reasonable step in order to help build surgical confidence and avoid potential intra-ocular complications.

Figure 1: Gonioscopic Angle Anatomy. Pre-operative assessment of angle structures. The scleral spur (SS) [white band] serves as a surgical landmark separating the trabecular meshwork (TM) [canal based surgery] from the ciliary body (CB) [suprachoroid based surgery] respectively.

Intra-operatively, one needs to consider both extra- and intraocular factors (Table 2). In order to access the angle nasally from a temporal approach, the head needs to be rotated approximately 30 to 40 degrees away while the microscope should be rotated an equal amount towards the surgeon. The endpoint is to find an appropriate combination to align the coaxial light along the axis of the iris plane. Unlike phacoemulsification (Table 3) with full access to the entire cornea, these adjustments will result in a narrow viewing space that is confined to the anterior chamber (AC) depth, coupled with an increased working distance between the oculars and surgical field. In the absence of a red reflex, the light intensity will need to be increased and magnification adjusted in order to optimally view the desired target tissue.

Table 3: Phacoemulsification vs. Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). AC: Anterior Chamber.

Several surgical goniolenses are commercially available [10,15]. Present options all represent a modification of the Swan Jacob lens by varying in degree of corneal contact, field of view, magnification, and handle length [10]. With the exception of the Volk Transcend Vold Gonio (TVG) Surgical Lens [16], the handles are contiguous with the goniolens [15]. The TVG lens is characterized by a free floating lens mounted on a separate sliding handle originating from a hinge suspended on the main handle [16]. In the setting of akinesia, the type of goniolens selected is rarely a critical factor in angle surgery.

Left and right-handed handles are made available based on surgeon preference (i.e., Hill lens), [10] or they are designed for ambidextrous use in order to avoid the need for purchasing multiple lenses. While in use, the handle is clutched in the non-dominant hand with the palm side resting gently either on the patient’s forehead or cheekbone (depending upon laterality) while the fingers are arched parallel to the nasal bridge.

There are several important intraocular factors to consider when performing surgical gonioscopy. These include location and eccentricity of the temporal corneal incision. Wound construction with femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is typically offset by a few millimeters inward from the limbus, and can subsequently interfere with peripheral access and intraocular manipulation due to surgical instruments abutting the edge of the goniolens externally. I prefer to make the corneal incision manually just inside the limbus along the 3 to 9 o’clock plane. With a fixation ring, nasal globe rotation facilitates access to the peripheral cornea during initial entry with the keratome. The wound location serves not only as a pivot point and anchor for instruments during intraocular surgical manipulation but it also provides equidistant access to angle structures nasally in the superior and inferior quadrants.

Intraocular manipulation with MIGS takes place anterior to the iris plane in a confined space with added risk to the cornea and iris (Table 3). To protect ocular structures during angle surgery, I employ Arshinoff’s soft shell technique [17] to facilitate safe entry of instruments into the AC by providing an adequate workspace. A layer of dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) is injected to coat and protect the corneal endothelium. Next, a second deeper layer of a cohesive OVD is injected to both tamponade the initial dispersive OVD against the inner cornea anteriorly and advanced into the angle to create and maintain a safe work space.

During cataract surgery, the keratome and paracentesis incisions result in minimal neurostimulatory corneal effects [18] (Table 3). Conversely, with MIGS surgery, docking of the surgical goniolens stimulates the entire surface of sub-epithelial nerve endings and limbal plexus [18]. Under topical anesthesia, this can result in discomfort and involuntary saccades with added risk for intra-ocular complications including bleeding and iridodialysis [19]. The use of topical lidocaine gel has been shown to provide analgesia, patient comfort and decreased sensation of tissue manipulation [20]. In lieu of topical anesthetic drops or viscoelastic, I have found that patients tend to be more tolerant during surgery when the anesthetic gel has been applied as a coupling medium between the cornea and goniolens. Furthermore, lens modification with a fixation ring (TVG, Khaw lens) or a peripheral flange (Hill lens) have been designed to not only counter involuntary eye movements but provide globe stability and control during delicate angle surgery [10]. These modifications further enable nasal globe rotation as well as cyclotorsion along the z axis [21] facilitating implantation and or surgical manipulation.

Finally, in the case of MIGS involving micro-stent devices, postoperative office based gonioscopy and goniophotography serve to not only assess proper anatomic placement but also act to build the doctorpatient relationship when patients are shown the outcomes of the surgery. Additionally, the photos will later provide a means of counseling surgical candidates regarding options available to them in managing their glaucoma with MIGS.