Creeping angle-closure glaucoma. The influence of iridotomy and iridectomy.

In 16 patients (30 eyes) with creeping angle-closure glaucoma YAG laser iridotomy or surgical iridectomy was performed as part of treatment. The initial characteristics of the affected eyes (refractive state, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, iris contour, gonioscopic features, extent and severity of synechia formation and result of dark-room testing in six eyes) are recorded, and also the influence on these features of iridotomy or iridectomy. Intraocular pressure was reduced on average by 2.46 mmHg (1.72 mmHg in non-trabeculectomised eyes) (P less than 0.02), and anterior chambers deepened on average by 0.05 mm (P less than 0.05). Extension of peripheral anterior synechiae was recorded in nine eyes.