Malignant glaucoma after laser iridotomy

Malignant glaucoma was initially reported as developing after surgery for glaucoma. Subsequently, associations with trauma, inflammation, and the use of miotic agents, as well as spontaneous occurrence have been noted. Laser iridotomy has been assumed to avoid the risk of subsequent malignant glaucoma in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma by avoiding surgical incision of the eye. However, the authors report six cases of malignant glaucoma after laser iridotomy. In all but two cases, medical therapy for the malignant glaucoma resulted in deepening of the anterior chamber and normalization of the intraocular pressure. Malignant glaucoma recurred in five of the patients, and two patients had malignant glaucoma in the fellow eye.