Argon laser gonioplasty with trabeculoplasty for chronic angle-closure glaucoma

Gonioplasty with trabeculoplasty was used to treat 31 eyes of 25 patients (15 men and 10 women) with chronic angle-closure glaucoma. Ages ranged from 40 to 82 years (average, 60.4 yrs). The follow-up period was three to 36 months (average, 1 yr). During this time, 60% to 80% of eyes have maintained an intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 21 mm Hg and/or required less medication. The average IOP reduction was 7.9 mm Hg. Complications included focal, peaking, peripheral anterior synechiae in the lasered area in 19 of 31 eyes (61%), and permanently increased IOP in two of 31 eyes (6%). Gonioplasty was a useful method to differentiate between appositional angle closure and that due to peripheral anterior synechiae. After combined treatment, the chamber angle has remained open for more than a year in 60% to 80% of eyes.