Glaucoma

Peripheral Iridectomy

Peripheral Iridectomy. Both pictures shown above are incisional iridectomies.

Incisional Iridectomy

  • A procedure in which a small section of peripheral iris is excised through a limbal incision.
  • Very effective and safe surgical procedure for glaucoma treatment.
  • Some disadvantages:
    • Operating room procedure
    • May be complicated by bleeding, infection, wound leak, incomplete iridectomy, zonular or lens disruption
    • Costlier than laser iridotomy
    • Longer postoperative recovery time

Laser Iridotomy

  • Creating a small opening at the peripheral iris (usually between middle and peripheral thirds of the iris) using Neodynium:YAG and/or argon laser.
  • More commonly performed as a safe and effective prophylaxis and/or treatment of narrow angle glaucoma.
  • Clinic or office procedure.
  • Reduces the possible surgical complications such as wound leak, bleeding and infections.
  • Procedure of choice in angle-closure or narrow angle glaucoma.
  • Some conditions that preclude the undertaking of this procedure are:
    • Significant cornea cloudiness
    • Exteremely narrow angle with Iris tissue very near corneal endothelium
    • Repeatedly failed or closed iridotomy
    • Uncooperative patient