Argon laser treatment for medically unresponsive attacks of angle-closure glaucoma

Seven patients with medically unresponsive attacks of angle-closure glaucoma were successfully treated with the argon laser. Three methods may be used either singly or in combination to cut short an attack: (1) peripheral iridoplasty, (2) pupilloplasty, and (3) laser iridectomy. Laser treatment is preferable to and safer than intraocular iridectomy in such cases. Pilocarpine, which increases the axial length of the lens and shallows the anterior chamber, may worsen angle closure by increasing the pupillary block. An enlarged lens or forward movement of the lens may be a significant factor in medically unresponsive attacks. The routine use of copious amounts of pilocarpine should be avoided in treating angle-closure glaucoma.