Iridectomy

In acute angle-closure glaucoma cases, surgical iridectomy has been superseded by Nd:YAG laser iridotomy, because the laser procedure is much safer. Opening the globe for a surgical iridectomy in a patient with high intraocular pressure greatly increases the risk of suprachoroidal hemorrhage, with potential for associated expulsive hemorrhage. Nd:YAG laser iridotomy avoids such a catastrophe by using a laser to create a hole in the iris, which facilitates flow of aqueous humor from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye. ==Current indications==

Surgical iridectomy is commonly indicated and performed in the following cases: • Cataract surgery in a glaucoma patient • Combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma • Acute closed-angle glaucoma • Posterior capsular tears with vitreous loss • Implantation of anterior chamber IOL. • Vitreoretinal procedure involving injection of silicone oil. The location of the iridectomy in such cases is at 6 o'clock, as opposed to routine iridectomy done at 11 to 1 o'clock. This is because silicone oil is less dense than water. • Iris trauma ==Types==

• An antiphogistic iridectomy is the surgical removal of part of the iris to reduce intraocular pressure in inflammatory conditions of the eye. • A stenopeic iridectomy is the surgical removal of a narrow slit or a minute portion of the iris, leaving the sphincter pupillae muscle intact. • A therapeutic iridectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the iris for the cure or prevention of an ocular disease. ==See also==