Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Closed-angle glaucoma affects between 350,000 and 400,000 people in the United States; in some Asian countries such as China, however, it is more common than open-angle glaucoma.
Risk factors for closed-angle glaucoma include:
- a family...
history of this type of glaucoma - farsightedness
- small eyes
- age over 40
- scarring inside the eye from diabetes or uveitis
- a cataract in the lens that is growing
- Eskimo or Asian heritage (Eskimos have the highest rate of closed-angle glaucoma of any ethnic group)
Melanoma of the iris is a relatively rare form of cancer, representing only about 10% of cases of intraocular melanoma. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 220 cases of melanoma of the iris are diagnosed in the United States each year. People over 50 are the most likely to develop this form of cancer, although it can occur at any age. It appears to affect men and women equally. Melanoma of the iris is more common in Caucasians and in people with light-colored irides than in people of Asian or African descent. Suspected causes include genetic mutations and exposure to sunlight.
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Most laser vision correction procedures like LASIK involve shaping the cornea so that light can be properly focused on the back of the eye, or retina. This video shows how the anatomy of the eye works to harness light so that we can see. The role of the cornea in vision is also discussed.
For an iridectomy, an incision is made in the cornea just below the iris (A). A piece of the iris is removed (B). This allows fluid to flow between the areas to the front and rear of the iris (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Other Information
An iridectomy, also known as a surgical iridectomy or corectomy, is the surgical removal of part of the iris. These procedures are most frequently performed in the treatment of closed-angle glaucoma and iris melanoma.
Other Information
Surgeons aim for results of 20/20 or better so that you can perform most daily activities without your glasses. However, there is a possibility that after surgery, you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
-Eye Surgery Education Council
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