Iris photocoagulation therapy of aphakic pupillary block.

Five patients who underwent uneventful cataract extraction developed flat anterior chamber (AC) secondary to pupillary block, 2 1/2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. None had a wound leak. After drug therapy had failed to restore the AC, iris photocoagulation was performed.

Laser iridotomy for aphakic pupillary block.

In six patients with aphakic pupillary block, argon laser produced full-thickness iridotomies that succeeded in restoring anterior chamber and intraocular pressure to normal. In one case, it was shown that location of iridotomy is important in determining whether or not iridotomy will succeed in relieving aphakic pupillary block. In two cases, pupillary block had resulted in shallowing of the anterior chamber without pressure elevation.