Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty - indications and surgical technique

Abstract

Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is a simple and effective means of opening an appositionally closed angle in situations in which laser iridotomy either cannot be performed or does not physically eliminate appositional angle closure because mechanisms other than pupillary block are present. The procedure consists of placing contract ion burns in the extreme iris periphery to contract the iris stroma between the site of the burn and the angle, physically pulling open the angle. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is useful for reversing an acute angle closure attack, either as a primary measure or when systemic medications fail to control intraocular pressure. This article discusses the indications for and surgical techniques of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty.