Iridectomy

Comparison with Nd:YAG laser iridotomy

Current indications

• Cataract surgery in a glaucoma patient
• Combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma
• Acute closed-angle glaucoma
• Posterior capsular tears with vitreous loss
• Implantation of anterior chamber IOL.
• Vitreoretinal procedure involving injection of silicone oil. The location of the iridectomy in such cases is at 6 o'clock, as opposed to routine iridectomy done at 11 to 1 o'clock. This is because silicone oil is less dense than water.
• Iris trauma

  Types

• An antiphogistic iridectomy is the surgical removal of part of the iris to reduce intraocular pressure in inflammatory conditions of the eye.
• A basal iridectomy is an iridectomy which includes the root of the iris.
• An optical iridectomy is the surgical removal of part of the iris to enlarge the existing pupil, or to form an artificial pupil, when the natural pupil is ineffectual.
• A peripheral iridectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the iris in the region of its root, leaving the pupillary margin and sphincter pupillae muscle intact. It is used in the treatment of glaucoma.
• A preliminary iridectomy, or preparatory iridectomy, is the surgical removal of part of the iris preceding cataract extraction. It facilitates the removal of the cataractous lens.
• A sector iridectomy, also known as a complete iridectomy or total iridectomy, is the surgical removal of a complete radial section of the iris extending from the pupillary margin to the root of the iris. A key-hole pupil is left by the removal of a wedge-shaped section of iris.
• A stenopeic iridectomy is the surgical removal of a narrow slit or a minute portion of the iris, leaving the sphincter pupillae muscle intact.
• A therapeutic iridectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the iris for the cure or prevention of an ocular disease.