Iridectomy with scleral cautery.

I have described modifications that have evolved over the years in doing iridectomy with cautery and have reviewed some of my experiences with the method. All filtering operations leave a great deal to be desired. Each technique has certain advantages and disadvantages. A great advantage of the cautery procedure is its safety and simplicity. It is as effective in lowering pressure as most other procedures. Even if the operation fails to control pressure, little harm is done to the eye, and it can be repeated. One of the great advances in management of open-angle glaucoma in recent years has been the adoption of stringent indications for surgery. Surgery should not be advised until a thorough trial of maximal medical therapy has been made. In many instances, however, the pendulum has been allowed to swing too far. When medical treatment has failed, and the patient is faced with progressive loss of vision if control of pressure is not achieved, the ophthalmic surgeon should resist the temptation to procrastinate. Surgery should be done promptly and deterioration should not be allowed to occur. Should a cataract occur, it can be removed. Endophthalmitis can be prevented or cured by antibiotic therapy. Although filtering operations leave a great deal to be desired, when effective, they will preserve a functioning optic nerve.