Neodymium-YAG laser iridectomies in glaucoma associated with closed or occludable angles

Abstract

A review of our first 200 neodymium-YAG laser iridectomies performed over a two-year period in various forms of glaucoma showed patent iridectomies in 180 of 182 eyes (99% success) at the last examination (one to 26 months postoperatively). Both failures had preexisting chronic uveitis. Eighteen eyes were lost to follow-up. Complications included intraocular pressure increased more than 10 mm Hg in 54 eyes (30%), hemorrhage in 36 eyes (20%), iritis in 21 eyes (11.5%), posterior synechiae in 13 eyes (7%), corneal changes in seven eyes (4%), and pupillary distortion in six eyes (3%). With experience, fewer applications are required to penetrate the iris, and retreatment to obtain patency is less likely to be needed.