Argon laser iridoplasty in chronic angle closure glaucoma

This study evaluated the effect of argon laser iridoplasty (ALI) on 11 eyes with primary chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG). All eyes had an intraocular pressure greater than 20 mmHg despite maximum medical therapy and were followed up for six months after ALI. Iridoplasty successfully opened at least half of the angle in all eyes, maximally reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP) in all eyes in the first week (paired t test p < 0.002). At three months, the IOP in 7 eyes were medically controlled while 4 eyes required trabeculectomy. The results at six months showed no further changes. Iridoplasty may be useful for lowering IOP in CACG and avoiding the need for surgery for up to six months in 64% of the eyes studied.