Why is vision blurry after surgery?

Blood in the front of the eye is common after this trabeculotomy. It often clears as the eye heals.

Can it be combined with cataract surgery?

Yes. Some surgeons combine it with cataract surgery when both problems need treatment.

Will I stop glaucoma drops?

Maybe. Many people use fewer drops, but some still need medicines to stay at the pressure target.

Who is not a good candidate?

It may not fit eyes with a closed or scarred angle, poor angle view, active inflammation, or very low pressure goals.

Treatment

Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Also known as GATT, Trabeculotomy, Ab Interno Trabeculotomy, 360 Trabeculotomy, Angle-Based Glaucoma Surgery

Updated May 16, 2026·For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy opens the eye's natural drain from inside the eye. It can lower pressure without making a permanent outside bleb.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy is an angle-based glaucoma surgery. The surgeon works through a small clear cornea incision and opens the inner wall of the eye's drain ¹.

The surgery can treat a long stretch of the natural drain. It is often used for open-angle glaucoma when stronger pressure lowering is needed than tiny bypass stents can provide ².

Blood in the front of the eye is common after surgery and usually clears. Pressure still needs close follow-up, and some eyes need more treatment ³.

How It Works

The eye's drain has an inner wall that can resist fluid outflow. Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy opens that wall from inside the eye ¹.

The surgeon uses a tiny catheter or suture to travel around the circular drain. Pulling it through opens a broad pathway for fluid to leave.

Risks And Side Effects

The most common issue is blood in the front of the eye. Other risks include pressure spikes, inflammation, infection, scarring, cataract change, and need for more glaucoma surgery ².

The procedure may not reach a very low pressure target. Trabeculectomy or a drainage implant may be stronger for advanced disease.

Cost And Insurance

This is usually billed as medically needed glaucoma surgery. Coverage depends on diagnosis, surgical setting, and your plan.

Ask whether the estimate includes the surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia, and post-op visits.

Common Questions About Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Yes, it is an angle-based surgery done from inside the eye. It does not create a permanent outside bleb.

Next Steps

1Ask your glaucoma surgeon whether your angle is open enough for this surgery.
2Review your pressure goal and whether a stronger surgery might be needed.
3Discuss blood thinners and bleeding risk before scheduling.
4Plan for blurry vision while blood in the front of the eye clears.
5Keep all early post-op visits so pressure spikes can be caught.

Find specialists for Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy.

Browse Glaucoma specialists

Also relevant

Comprehensive