Corneal decompensation after argon laser iridectomy.

Five eyes of three patients developed generalized corneal decompensation after undergoing argon laser iridectomy for angle closure glaucoma. Factors possibly associated with corneal decompensation include episodes of angle closure glaucoma with pressure elevations and inflammation, corneal guttate, diabetes, and the need for multiple treatments requiring a high-laser energy. It is important for ophthalmologists to inform their patients of the rare risk of developing bullous keratopathy after argon laser iridectomy and to consider obtaining prelaser specular microscopy to document the corneal status in high-risk patients.