Acute intraocular pressure elevation after argon laser trabeculoplasty and iridectomy: a clinicopathologic study.

Trabeculectomy specimens excised from five patients with persistent, medically unresponsive elevation of pressure following argon laser trabeculoplasty and argon laser peripheral iridectomy were studied by light and electron microscopy. Histological examination disclosed macrophages, lymphocytes, activated trabecular endothelial cells, and tissue debris from trabecular beams. This inflammatory response and tissue debris initiated by laser treatment appears to be an important factor in the postoperative decompensation of the aqueous outflow system.