Outpatient argon laser iridectomy for angle closure glaucoma: a two-year study.
A technique for iridectomy in the the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma utilizing laser beams has been developed. The operation is performed in two steps. In step 1 a partially penetrating burn of the iris is made to produce an iris hump. In step 2 a penetrating burn is used to pierce the crown of the previously produced hump. Tables 1, 2, and 3 summarize current recommendations and the detailed steps that must be followed (without exception) to achieve success with this technique. Of 22 phakic eyes, fellow eyes, or eyes with narrow-angle glaucoma, instantaneous, permanent iris perforation was produced in all except two. In these two, a second treatment on the following day produced a permanent perforation. Serious complications were encountered in only one patient who received treatment at a greater energy level than we now recommend. In that patient striate keratopathy became apparent, as well as a decrease in vision which has lasted five months. No significant complication was encountered in any eye treated with the currently recommended procedure.
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001128:Argon; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003315:Cornea; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D007500:Iritis / Q000209:etiology; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011680:Pupil
D001128:Argon