Monocular blurring. A complication of YAG laser iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is the procedure of choice for primary angle-closure glaucoma. The authors report a new visual disturbance after neodymium (Nd): YAG laser iridotomy. Thirteen patients presented with monocular blurring or a bluish or colored line after the laser procedure. Each eye had a patent iridotomy partially exposed by the upper lid. When the iridotomy was fully covered or fully exposed, symptoms disappeared. Symptoms also were relieved with tinted lenses. The authors suggest close preoperative examination with careful placement of the laser iridotomy entirely under the upper lid to prevent this potential visual disturbance.