Argon laser iridotomy: an experimental and clinical study.

Iridotomies were made in rabbit and human eyes using a continuous wave argon laser. Several of these have been studied histologically to determine the short- and long-term effects on the iris, cornea, lens and retina. Thirty-three eyes of patients with angle-closure glaucoma were treated by argon laser iridotomy and followed for periods of up to twelve months. In two eyes, planned cataract surgery was performed shortly after the laser iridotomy and histologic specimens of the iris were examined. From the experimental and clinical studies, an evaluation was made of the complications and clinical usefulness of the continuous wave argon laser as a means to produce iridotomies for the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma. Further long-term controlled studies are recommended to document the role of laser iridotomy.