title: Corneal endothelial decompensation after argon laser iridotomy.
abstract: Focal corneal edema overlying the site of argon laser iridotomy followed by generalized corneal decompensation developed in six eyes of five patients. The average interval between the iridotomy and the development of focal edema was 3 years, with generalized edema appearing an average of 3.5 months later. Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy of tissue removed at the time of corneal transplantation showed abnormalities characteristic of Fuchs' dystrophy in two patients. Possible contributing factors include episodes of intraocular pressure elevation, cornea guttata and the use of high total amounts of energy during laser iridotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ottawa Civic Hospital, ON.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Zabel
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mintsioulis
mesh_terms: D001128:Argon; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001128:Argon