Laser and unsutured sclerotomy in nanophthalmos

Among 30 eyes with nanophthalmos, 21 had angle-closure glaucoma and two had open-angle glaucoma associated with pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule. Laser iridotomies, sometimes combined with laser iridoplasty, were sufficient to control, or to allow medical control of, the glaucoma in 15 of 18 eyes. Four eyes with uveal effusion underwent an unsutured sclerotomy or sclerectomy, and all had resolution of the choroidal detachment within two weeks. Cataract extraction improved the vision in seven of nine eyes. Previous or simultaneous sclerotomy or sclerectomy was performed on all nine eyes that underwent cataract extraction and in two eyes at the time of glaucoma surgery; no eye had postoperative uveal effusion or other major complications. Laser iridotomy and iridoplasty, sometimes with supplemental medical therapy, are often sufficient in the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma in nanophthalmos and are safer than surgery. Nanophthalmic uveal effusion can be prevented or treated with an unsutured sclerotomy or sclerectomy.