In cataract work-up, gonioscopy is used to evaluate what?

• A. Gonioscopy to evaluate iridocorneal angle
• B. Electroretinogram
• C. Ocular ultrasound
• D. STT tear test

Answer: (A)

Gonioscopy in cataract work-up is about evaluating the iridocorneal angle where aqueous humor drains. Knowing whether the angle is open or narrow helps identify the risk of angle-closure glaucoma, which can be triggered by pupil dilation during preoperative assessment or after surgery. It can also reveal angle abnormalities like peripheral anterior synechiae that would affect management and perioperative planning. If the angle is narrow, you may take precautions such as avoiding dilation or considering prophylactic laser treatment to reduce risk before cataract extraction. The other tests don’t assess the drainage angle: an electroretinogram measures retinal function, ocular ultrasound images posterior structures through media opacity, and the tear test assesses tear production.