Laser surgery for angle closure glaucoma

The angle closure glaucomas are defined by iridotrabecular contact, trabecular dysfunction, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Laser iridotomy successfully eliminates the relative pupillary block component of the angle closure process, regardless of whether the underlying angle closure is related primarily to pupillary block or another mechanism. For those eyes with angle closure originating at an anatomic level posterior to the iris, such as plateau iris, lens-induced angle closure, or posterior segment processes, argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is often useful to further open the angle. The purpose of this article is to review the indications and techniques for laser iridotomy and laser iridoplasty in clinical practice.