[Long-term results following goniotomy in congenital glaucoma]

Between 1961 and 1983, 544 goniotomies were performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Hamburg and Bremen General Hospital. Of these 227 were performed in 130 eyes with congenital glaucoma between 1961 and 1983. Pressure regulation was achieved in 72% of the eyes examined 3-22 years postoperatively. The prognosis is not related to the preoperative corneal diameter or IOP, but the patient's age at the first goniotomy is of prognostic importance. Very poor results are achieved in cases of manifestation during the first 2 months of life. Of the regulated eyes, 56% achieved a visual acuity of over 0.4. If only one eye is affected, visual acuity attained is poorer. Results of surgical techniques and methods of goniotomy are compared and discussed.