Iridectomy
Iridectomy
Definition
Purpose
Demographics
Description
Diagnosis/Preparation
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results
Morbidity and mortality rates
Alternatives
Definition
An iridectomy is an eye surgery procedure in which the surgeon removes a small full-thickness piece of the iris, which is the colored circular membrane behind the cornea of the eye. An iridectomy is also known as a corectomy. In recent years, lasers have also been used to perform iridectomies.
Purpose
Today, an iridectomy is most often performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma or melanoma of the iris. An iridectomy performed to treat glaucoma is sometimes called a peripheral iridectomy, because it removes a portion of the periphery or root of the iris.
In some cases, an iridectomy is performed prior to cataract surgery in order to make it easier to remove the lens of the eye. This procedure is referred to as a preparatory iridectomy.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up inside the eye because the fluid, or aqueous humor, that is produced in the anterior chamber at the front of the eye cannot leave the chamber through
the usual opening. This opening lies at the angle where the iris meets the cornea, which is the clear front portion of the exterior cover of the eye. In closed-angle glaucoma, the fluid is blocked because a part of the iris has
KEY TERMS
Angle— The open point in the anterior chamber of the eye at which the iris meets the cornea. Blockage of the angle prevents fluid from leaving the anterior chamber, resulting in closed-angle glaucoma.
Aqueous humor— The watery fluid produced in the eye that ordinarily leaves the eye through the angle of the anterior chamber.
Corectomy— Another term for iridectomy.
Cornea— The transparent front portion of the exterior cover of the eye.
Enucleation— Surgical removal of the eyeball.
Glaucoma— A group of eye disorders characterized by increased fluid pressure inside the eye that eventually damages the optic nerve. As the cells in the optic nerve die, the patient gradually loses vision.
Gonioscopy— A technique for examining the angle between the iris and the cornea with the use of a special mirrored lens applied to the cornea.
Iridotomy— A procedure in which a laser is used to make a small hole in the iris to relieve fluid pressure in the eye.
Iris (plural, irides)— The circular pigmented membrane behind the cornea of the eye that gives the eye its color. The iris surrounds a central opening called the pupil.
Ocular melanoma— A malignant tumor that arises within the structures of the eye. It is the most common eye tumor in adults.
Ophthalmology— The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Pupil— The opening in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to enter the eye.
Tonometry— Measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye.
Tunica (plural, tunicae)— The medical term for a membrane or piece of tissue that covers or lines a body part. The eyeball is surrounded by three tunicae.
Uvea— The middle of the three tunicae surrounding the eye, comprising the choroid, iris, and ciliary body. The uvea is pigmented and well supplied with blood vessels.
Uveitis— Inflammation of any part of the uvea.
Vitrectomy— Surgical removal of the vitreous body.
Vitreous body— The transparent gel that fills the inner portion of the eyeball between the lens and the retina. It is also called the vitreous humor or crystalline humor.
moved forward and closed off the angle. As a result, fluid pressure in the eye rises rapidly, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. About 10% of all cases of glaucoma reported in the United States is closed-angle. This type of glaucoma is also called angle-closure glaucoma, acute congestive glaucoma, narrow-angle glaucoma, and pupillary block glaucoma. It usually develops in only one eye at a time.
There are two major types of closed-angle glaucoma: primary and secondary. Primary closed-angle glaucoma most commonly results from pupillary block, in which the iris closes off the angle when the pupil of the eye becomes dilated. In some cases, the blockage happens only occasionally, as when the pupil dilates in dim light, in situations of high stress or anxiety, or in response to the drops instilled by a doctor during an eye examination. This condition is referred to as intermittent, subacute, or chronic open-angle glaucoma. In other cases, the blockage is abrupt and complete, leading to an attack of acute closed-angle glaucoma. In primary glaucoma, the difference between the chronic or intermittent forms and an acute attack is usually due to small variations in the anatomical structure of the eye. These include an unusually shallow anterior chamber; a lens that is thicker than average and situated further forward in the eye; or a cornea that is smaller in diameter than average. Any of these differences can narrow the angle between the iris and the cornea, which is about 45° in the normal eye. In addition, as people age, the lens tends to grow larger and thicker; this change may cause fluid pressure to build up behind the iris. Eventually, pressure from the aqueous humor may force the iris forward, blocking the drainage angle.
Secondary closed-angle glaucoma results from changes in the angle caused by disorders, medications, trauma, or surgery, rather than by the anatomy of the eye itself. In some cases, the iris is pulled up into the angle by scar tissue resulting from the abnormal formation of blood vessels in diabetes. Another common cause of secondary closed-angle glaucoma is uveitis, or inflammation of the uvea, which is the covering of the eye that includes the iris. Cases have been reported in which uveitis related to HIV infection has led to closed-angle glaucoma. Melanoma of the iris has also been associated with closed-angle glaucoma.
Any medication that causes the pupil of the eye to dilate, including antihistamines and over-the-counter cold preparations, may cause an acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma. Medications that are given to treat anxiety and depression, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may trigger the onset of closed-angle glaucoma in some patients. In other instances, anesthesia for procedures on other parts of the body may produce an acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma.
In terms of trauma, a direct blow to the eye can dislocate the lens, bringing it forward and blocking the angle; overly vigorous exercise may have the same effect. Lastly, certain types of eye surgery performed to treat other conditions may result in secondary closed-angle glaucoma. These procedures include implantation of an intraocular lens; cataract surgery; scleral buckling to treat retinal detachment; and injection of silicone oil to replace the vitreous body in front of the retina following a vitrectomy.
Melanoma of the iris
Melanoma of the iris is a malignant tumor that develops within the pigmented cells of the iris; it is not a cancer that has developed elsewhere in the body and then spread to the eye. Melanoma of the iris can, however, enlarge and gradually destroy the patient’s vision. If left untreated, it can also metastasize or spread to other organs—most commonly the liver—and eventually cause death.
Demographics
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
- Inuit or Asian heritage (Inuits 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.
Description
Laser iridotomy/iridectomy
A person who is at risk for an acute episode of closed-angle glaucoma or who has already had emergency medical treatment for an attack may be treated with a laser iridotomy to reduce the level of fluid pressure in the affected eye. The drawback of a laser iridotomy in treating closed-angle glaucoma is that the hole may not remain open, requiring repeated iridotomies, a laser iridectomy, or a surgical iridectomy. In addition, laser iridotomies have a higher rate of success when used preventively rather than after the patient has already had an acute attack.
To perform a laser iridotomy, the ophthalmologist uses a laser, usually an argon or an Nd:YAG laser, to burn a small hole into the iris to relieve fluid pressure behind the iris. If the procedure is an iridectomy, the laser is used to remove a full-thickness section of the iris. The patient sits in a special chair with his or her chin resting on a frame or support to prevent the head from moving. The ophthalmologist numbs the eye with anesthetic eye drops. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the doctor shines the laser beam into the affected eye. The entire procedure takes 10-30 minutes.
Conventional (surgical) iridectomy
Melanoma of the iris is usually treated by surgical iridectomy to prevent the tumor from causing secondary closed-angle glaucoma and from spreading to other parts of the body.
A surgical iridectomy is a more invasive procedure that requires an operating room. The patient lies on an operating table with a piece of sterile cloth placed around the eye. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses a microscope and special miniature instruments to make an incision in the cornea and remove a section of the iris, usually at the 12 o’clock position. The incision in the cornea is self-sealing.
Diagnosis/Preparation
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma may be diagnosed in the course of a routine eye examination or during emergency treatment for symptoms of an acute attack. A doctor who is performing a standard eye examination may notice that the patient’s eye has a shallow anterior chamber or a narrow angle between the iris and the cornea. He or she may perform one or both of the following tests to evaluate the patient’s risk of developing closed-angle glaucoma. One test, called tonometry, measures the amount of fluid pressure in the eye. It is a painless procedure that involves blowing a puff of pressurized air toward the patient’s eye as the patient sits near a lamp and measuring the changes in the light reflections on the patient’s corneas. Other methods of tonometry involve the application of a local anesthetic to the outside of the eye and touching the cornea briefly with an instrument that measures the fluid pressure directly. The second test, gonioscopy, involves the use of a special mirrored contact lens to evaluate the anatomy of the angle between the iris and the cornea. The doctor numbs the outside of the eye with a local anesthetic and touches the outside of the cornea with the gonioscopic lens. He or she can use a slit lamp to magnify what appears on the lens. Patients with subacute, intermittent, or chronic closed-angle glaucoma can then be treated before they develop acute symptoms.
If the patient is having a sudden attack of closed-angle glaucoma, he or she will feel intense pain, and is likely to be seen on an emergency basis with the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- severe pain in or above the eye
- visual disturbances that include seeing halos around lights and hazy or foggy vision
- headache
- redness and watering in the affected eye
- a dilated pupil that does not close normally in bright light
These symptoms are produced by the sharp rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) that occurs when the angle is completely blocked. This increase can occur in a matter of hours and cause permanent loss of vision in as little as two to five days. An acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Emergency treatment includes application of eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye quickly, other eye drops to shrink the size of the pupil, and acetazolamide or a similar medication to stop the production of aqueous humor. In severe cases, the patient may be given drugs intravenously to lower the intraocular pressure. After the pressure has been relieved with medications, the eye will require surgical treatment.
Melanoma of the iris
Melanoma of the iris is usually discovered in the course of a routine eye examination because it will be visible to the ophthalmologist as he or she looks through the pupil in the center of the iris. A melanoma on the iris may look like a dark spot or ring, or it may resemble tapioca. The doctor can perform a gonioscopy, and use specialized imaging studies to rule out other possible eye disorders. An ultrasound study can be made by using a small probe placed on the eye that directs sound waves in the direction of the tumor. Another test is called fluorescein angiography , which involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in the patient’s arm. As the dye circulates throughout the body, it is carried to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. These blood vessels can be photographed through the pupil.
In a minority of patients, melanoma of the iris is discovered because the patient is experiencing eye pain resulting from a rise in IOP caused by tumor growth.
Preparation for treatment
Patients scheduled for a laser iridotomy or iridectomy are not required to fast or make other special preparations before the procedure. They may, however, be given a sedative to help them relax. Patients scheduled for a conventional iridectomy are asked to avoid eating or drinking for about eight hours before the procedure.
Aftercare
Short-term aftercare following laser iridectomy or iridotomy is minimal. Patients are asked to make arrangements for someone to drive them home after surgery, but can usually go to work the next day and resume other activities with no restrictions. They should not need any medication stronger than aspirin for discomfort.
Short-term aftercare following a surgical iridectomy includes wearing a patch over the affected eye for several days and using eye drops to minimize the risk of infection. The surgeon may also prescribe medication for discomfort. It will take about six weeks for vision to return to normal. Long-term aftercare following an iridectomy for closed-angle glaucoma usually involves taking medications to help control the
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Iridectomies are performed by ophthalmologists, who are physicians who have completed four to five years of specialized training in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmology is one of 24 specialties recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Laser iridotomies or iridectomies are done as an outpatient procedure, either in the ophthalmologist’s office or in an ambulatory surgery center. Surgical iridectomy is done in an operating room, either in a surgery center that specializes in ophthalmology or in a specialized eye hospital.
fluid pressure in the eye and seeing the ophthalmologist for periodic checkups.
Aftercare for melanoma of the iris includes eye checkups to be certain that the tumor has not recurred. In addition, patients are advised to reduce their exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
Risks
The risks of a laser iridotomy or iridectomy include the following:
- irritation in the eye for two to three days after the procedure
- bleeding
- scarring
- failure to relieve fluid pressure in the eye
The risks of a conventional iridectomy include:
- infection
- bleeding
- scarring in the area of the incision
- failure to relieve fluid pressure
- formation of a cataract
The risks of an iridectomy for melanoma of the iris include glaucoma resulting from the formation of new blood vessels near the angle; cataract formation; and recurrence of the tumor. In the event of a recurrence, the standard treatment is enucleation, or surgical removal of the entire eye.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- What are the alternatives to a surgical iridectomy for my condition?
- What are the risks of my having an acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma?
- What further treatment would you recommend if an iridectomy is unsuccessful?
Normal results
Normal results for a laser-assisted or conventional iridectomy are long-term lowering of IOP and/ or complete removal of a melanoma on the iris.
Morbidity and mortality rates
About 60% of patients who have had conventional iridectomies consider the operation a success; 15%, on the other hand, maintain that their vision was better before the procedure.
Fortunately for patients, melanoma of the iris is a relatively slow-growing form of cancer; it metastasizes to the liver in only 2-4% of cases. If treated promptly, it has a high survival rate of 95-97% after five years.
Alternatives
Alternatives to a conventional iridectomy for the treatment of closed-angle glaucoma include repeated laser iridotomies or the long-term use of such medications as pilocarpine. Another surgical alternative, which is most commonly done when the size of the lens is a factor in pupillary block, is removal of the lens.
Alternatives to iridectomy in the treatment of melanoma of the iris include watchful waiting, periodic eye examinations, and the use of medication to control any symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma.
Resources
BOOKS
Albert, Daniel, M. and Mark J. Lucarelli, MD. Clinical Atlas of Procedures in Ophthalmic Surgery, 1st ed. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association Press, 2003.
“Angle-Closure Glaucoma.” Section 8, Chapter 100 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark H. Beers and Robert Berkow. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.
Azuara-Blanco, Augusto, M.D, Ph.D., et. al. Handbook of Glaucoma, 1st ed. London, England: Taylor & Francis, 2007.
Kanski, Jack J. M. D., et. al. Glaucoma: A Colour Manual of Diagnosis and Treatment. Oxford, England: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003.
Ritch, Robert, M. D., et. al. The Glaucomas. St. Louis, MO: 1996.
PERIODICALS
Aung, T., and P. T. Chew. “Review of Recent Advancements in the Understanding of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma.” Current Opinion in Ophthalmology 13 (April 2002): 89–93.
Chang, B. M., J. M. Liebmann, and R. Ritch. “Angle Closure in Younger Patients.” Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society 100 (2002): 201–212.
Goldberg, D. E., and W. R. Freeman. “Uveitic Angle Closure Glaucoma in a Patient with Inactive Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Immune Recovery Uveitis.” Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 33 (September–October 2002): 421–425.
Jackson, T. L., et al. “Pupil Block Glaucoma in Phakic and Pseudophakic Patients After Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Injection.” American Journal of Ophthalmology 132 (September 2001): 414–416.
Jacobi, P. C., et al. “Primary Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.” Ophthalmology 109 (September 2002): 1597–1603.
Jiminez-Jiminez, F. J., M. Orti-Pareja, and J. M. Zurdo. “Aggravation of Glaucoma with Fluvoxamine.” Annals of Pharmacotherapy 35 (December 2001): 1565–1566.
Kumar, A., S. Kedar, V. K. Garodia, and R. P. Singh. “Angle Closure Glaucoma Following Pupillary Block in an Aphakin Perfluoropropane Gas-Filled Eye.” Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 50 (September 2002): 220–221.
Lentschener, C., et al. “Acute Postoperative Glaucoma After Nonocular Surgery Remains a Diagnostic Challenge.” Anesthesia and Analgesia 94 (April 2002): 1034–1035.
Schwartz, G. P., and L. W. Schwartz. “Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Secondary to a Choroidal Melanoma.” CLAO Journal 28 (April 2002): 77–79.
Shields, C. L., et al. “Factors Associated with Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Eyes with Iris Melanoma.” British Journal of Ophthalmology 85 (June 2001): 666–669.
Shields, C. L., et al. “Iris Melanoma: Risk Factors for Metastasis in 169 Consecutive Patients.” Ophthalmology 108 (January 2001): 172–178.
Wang, N., H. Wu, and Z. Fan. “Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma in Chinese and Western Populations.” Chinese Medical Journal 115 (November 2002): 1706–1715.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Ophthalmology. P. O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120-7424. (415) 561-8500. http://www.aao.org.
Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). 610-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ON K1Z 8R9 Canada. http://www.eyesite.ca.
National Eye Institute. 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655. (301) 496-5248. http://nei.nih.gov.
Prevent Blindness America. 500 East Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. (800) 331-2020. http://www.preventblindness.org.
Wills Eye Hospital. 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. (215) 928-3000. http://www.willseye.org.
OTHER
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ). Intraocular (Eye) Melanoma: Treatment, January 2, 2003 [cited April 2, 2003]. http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/intraocularmelanoma/healthprofessional.
National Eye Institute (NEI). Facts About Glaucoma. 2008. NIH Publication No. 99–651. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp.
Tanasescu, I., and F. Grehn. “Advantage of Surgical Iridectomy Over Nd:YAG Laser Iridotomy in Acute Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.” Presentation on September 29,2001, at the 99th annual meeting of the Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft. http://www.dog.org/2001/mo_13.htm.
_Waheed, Nadia K., and C. Stephen Foster. “Melanoma, Iris.” eMedicine, July, 2005 [cited April 2, 2003]. http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic405.htm.
Rebecca Frey, PhD
Laura Jean Cataldo, RN, EdD
Irodotomy seeLaser iridotomy
Iridectomy
Iridectomy
Definition
An iridectomy is a procedure in eye surgery in which the surgeon removes a small, full-thickness piece of the iris, which is the colored circular membrane behind the cornea of the eye. An iridectomy is also known as a corectomy. In recent years, lasers have also been used to perform iridectomies.
Purpose
Today, an iridectomy is most often performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma or melanoma of the iris. An iridectomy performed to treat glaucoma is sometimes called a peripheral iridectomy, because it removes a portion of the periphery or root of the iris.
In some cases, an iridectomy is performed prior to cataract surgery in order to make it easier to remove the lens of the eye. This procedure is referred to as a preparatory iridectomy.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up inside the eye because the fluid, or aqueous humor, that is produced in the anterior chamber at the front of the eye cannot leave the chamber through the usual opening. This opening lies at the angle where the iris meets the cornea, which is the clear front portion of the exterior cover of the eye. In closed-angle glaucoma, the fluid is blocked because a part of the iris has moved forward and closed off the angle. As a result, fluid pressure in the eye rises rapidly, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. About 10% of all cases of glaucoma reported in the United States is closed-angle. This type of glaucoma is also called angle-closure glaucoma, acute congestive glaucoma, narrow-angle glaucoma, and pupillary block glaucoma. It usually develops in only one eye at a time.
There are two major types of closed-angle glaucoma: primary and secondary. Primary closed-angle glaucoma most commonly results from pupillary block, in which the iris closes off the angle when the pupil of the eye becomes dilated. In some cases, the blockage happens only occasionally, as when the pupil dilates in dim light, in situations of high stress or anxiety, or in response to the drops instilled by a doctor during an eye examination. This condition is referred to as intermittent, subacute, or chronic open-angle glaucoma. In other cases, the blockage is abrupt and complete, leading to an attack of acute closed-angle glaucoma. In primary glaucoma, the difference between the chronic or intermittent forms and an acute attack is usually due to small variations in the anatomical structure of the eye. These include an unusually shallow anterior chamber; a lens that is thicker than average and situated further forward in the eye; or a cornea that is smaller in diameter than average. Any of these differences can narrow the angle between the iris and the cornea, which is about 45° in the normal eye. In addition, as people age, the lens tends to grow larger and thicker; this change may cause fluid pressure to build up behind the iris. Eventually, pressure from the aqueous humor may force the iris forward, blocking the drainage angle.
Secondary closed-angle glaucoma results from changes in the angle caused by disorders, medications, trauma, or surgery, rather than by the anatomy of the eye itself. In some cases, the iris is pulled up into the angle by scar tissue resulting from the abnormal formation of blood vessels in diabetes. Another common cause of secondary closed-angle glaucoma is uveitis, or inflammation of the uvea, which is the covering of the eye that includes the iris. Cases have been reported in which uveitis related to HIV infection has led to closed-angle glaucoma. Melanoma of the iris has also been associated with closed-angle glaucoma.
Any medication that causes the pupil of the eye to dilate may cause an acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma, including antihistamines and over-the-counter cold preparations. Medications that are given to treat anxiety and depression, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may trigger the onset of closed-angle glaucoma in some patients. In other instances, anesthesia for procedures on other parts of the body produces an acute attack.
In terms of trauma, a direct blow to the eye can dislocate the lens, bringing it forward and blocking the angle; overly vigorous exercise may have the same effect. Lastly, certain types of eye surgery performed to treat other conditions may result in secondary closed-angle glaucoma. These procedures include implantation of an intraocular lens; cataract surgery; scleral buckling to treat retinal detachment; and injection of silicone oil to replace the vitreous body in front of the retina following a vitrectomy.
Melanoma of the iris
Melanoma of the iris is a malignant tumor that develops within the pigmented cells of the iris; it is not a cancer that has developed elsewhere in the body and then spread to the eye. Melanoma of the iris can, however, enlarge and gradually destroy the patient's vision. If left untreated, it can also metastasize or spread to other organs—most commonly the liver—and eventually cause death.
Demographics
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.
Description
Laser iridotomy/iridectomy
A person who is at risk for an acute episode of closed-angle glaucoma or who has already had emergency medical treatment for an attack may be treated with a laser iridotomy to reduce the level of fluid pressure in the affected eye. The drawback of a laser iridotomy in treating closed-angle glaucoma is that the hole may not remain open, requiring repeated iridotomies, a laser iridectomy, or a surgical iridectomy. In addition, laser iridotomies have a higher rate of success when used preventively rather than after the patient has already had an acute attack.
To perform a laser iridotomy, the ophthalmologist uses a laser, usually an argon or an Nd:YAG laser, to burn a small hole into the iris to relieve fluid pressure behind the iris. If the procedure is an iridectomy, the laser is used to remove a full-thickness section of the iris. The patient sits in a special chair with his or her chin resting on a frame or support to prevent the head from moving. The ophthalmologist numbs the eye with anesthetic eye drops. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the doctor shines the laser beam into the affected eye. The entire procedure takes between 10–30 minutes.
Conventional (surgical) iridectomy
Melanoma of the iris is usually treated by surgical iridectomy to prevent the tumor from causing secondary closed-angle glaucoma and from spreading to other parts of the body.
A surgical iridectomy is a more invasive procedure that requires an operating room . The patient lies on an operating table with a piece of sterile cloth placed around the eye. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses a microscope and special miniature instruments to make an incision in the cornea and remove a section of the iris, usually at the 12 o'clock position. The incision in the cornea is self-sealing.
Diagnosis/Preparation
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma may be diagnosed in the course of a routine eye examination or during emergency treatment for symptoms of an acute attack. A doctor who is performing a standard eye examination may notice that the patient's eye has a shallow anterior chamber or a narrow angle between the iris and the cornea. He or she may perform one or both of the following tests to evaluate the patient's risk of developing closed-angle glaucoma. One test, called tonometry, measures the amount of fluid pressure in the eye. It is a painless procedure that involves blowing a puff of pressurized air toward the patient's eye as the patient sits near a lamp and measuring the changes in the light reflections on the patient's corneas. Other methods of tonometry involve the application of a local anesthetic to the outside of the eye and touching the cornea briefly with an instrument that measures the fluid pressure directly. The second test, gonioscopy, involves the use of a special mirrored contact lens to evaluate the anatomy of the angle between the iris and the cornea. The doctor numbs the outside of the eye with a local anesthetic and touches the outside of the cornea with the gonioscopic lens. He or she can use a slit lamp to magnify what appears on the lens. Patients with subacute, intermittent, or chronic closed-angle glaucoma can then be treated before they develop acute symptoms.
If the patient is having a sudden attack of closed-angle glaucoma, he or she will feel intense pain, and is likely to be seen on an emergency basis with the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- severe pain in or above the eye
- visual disturbances that include seeing halos around lights and hazy or foggy vision
- headache
- redness and watering in the affected eye
- a dilated pupil that does not close normally in bright light
These symptoms are produced by the sharp rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) that occurs when the angle is completely blocked. This increase can occur in a matter of hours and cause permanent loss of vision in as little as two to five days. An acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Emergency treatment includes application of eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye quickly, other eye drops to shrink the size of the pupil, and acetazolamide or a similar medication to stop the production of aqueous humor. In severe cases, the patient may be given drugs intravenously to lower the intraocular pressure. After the pressure has been relieved with medications, the eye will require surgical treatment.
Melanoma of the iris
Melanoma of the iris is usually discovered in the course of a routine eye examination because it will be visible to the ophthalmologist as he or she looks through the pupil in the center of the iris. A melanoma on the iris may look like a dark spot or ring, or it may resemble tapioca. The doctor can perform a gonioscopy, and use specialized imaging studies to rule out other possible eye disorders. An ultrasound study can be made by using a small probe placed on the eye that directs sound waves in the direction of the tumor. Another test is called fluorescein angiography , which involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in the patient's arm. As the dye circulates throughout the body, it is carried to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. These blood vessels can be photographed through the pupil.
In a minority of patients, melanoma of the iris is discovered because the patient is experiencing eye pain resulting from a rise in IOP caused by tumor growth.
Preparation for treatment
Patients scheduled for a laser iridotomy or iridectomy are not required to fast or make other special preparations before the procedure. They may, however, be given a sedative to help them relax. Patients scheduled for a conventional iridectomy are asked to avoid eating or drinking for about eight hours before the procedure.
Aftercare
Short-term aftercare following laser iridectomy or iridotomy is minimal. Patients are asked to make arrangements for someone to drive them home after surgery, but can usually go to work the next day and resume other activities with no restrictions. They should not need any medication stronger than aspirin for discomfort.
Short-term aftercare following a surgical iridectomy includes wearing a patch over the affected eye for several days and using eye drops to minimize the risk of infection. The surgeon may also prescribe medication for discomfort. It will take about six weeks for vision to return to normal. Long-term aftercare following an iridectomy for closed-angle glaucoma usually involves taking medications to help control the fluid pressure in the eye and seeing the ophthalmologist for periodic checkups.
Aftercare for melanoma of the iris includes eye checkups to be certain that the tumor has not recurred. In addition, patients are advised to reduce their exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
Risks
The risks of a laser iridotomy or iridectomy include the following:
- irritation in the eye for two to three days after the procedure
- bleeding
- scarring
- failure to relieve fluid pressure in the eye
The risks of a conventional iridectomy include:
- infection
- bleeding
- scarring in the area of the incision
- failure to relieve fluid pressure
- formation of a cataract
The risks of an iridectomy for melanoma of the iris include glaucoma resulting from the formation of new blood vessels near the angle, cataract formation, and recurrence of the tumor. In the event of a recurrence, the standard treatment is enucleation, or surgical removal of the entire eye.
Normal results
Normal results for a laser-assisted or conventional iridectomy are long-term lowering of IOP and/or complete removal of a melanoma on the iris.
Morbidity and mortality rates
About 60% of patients who have had conventional iridectomies consider the operation a success; 15%, on the other hand, maintain that their vision was better before the procedure.
Fortunately for patients, melanoma of the iris is a relatively slow-growing form of cancer; it metastasizes to the liver in only 2–4% of cases. If treated promptly, it has a high survival rate of 95–97% after five years.
Alternatives
Alternatives to a conventional iridectomy for the treatment of closed-angle glaucoma include repeated laser iridotomies or the long-term use of such medications as pilocarpine. Another surgical alternative, which is most commonly done when the size of the lens is a factor in pupillary block, is removal of the lens.
Alternatives to iridectomy in the treatment of melanoma of the iris include watchful waiting, periodic eye examinations, and the use of medication to control any symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma.
See also Laser iridotomy.
Resources
books
"Angle-Closure Glaucoma." In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark H. Beers and Robert Berkow. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.
periodicals
Aung, T., and P. T. Chew. "Review of Recent Advancements in the Understanding of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma." Current Opinion in Ophthalmology 13 (April 2002): 89–93.
Cardine, S., et al. "Iris Melanomas. A Retrospective Study of 11 Patients Treated by Surgical Excision." [in French] Journal français d'ophtalmologie 26 (January 2003): 31–37.
Chang, B. M., J. M. Liebmann, and R. Ritch. "Angle Closure in Younger Patients." Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society 100 (2002): 201–212.
Goldberg, D. E., and W. R. Freeman. "Uveitic Angle Closure Glaucoma in a Patient with Inactive Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Immune Recovery Uveitis." Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 33 (September–October 2002): 421–425.
Jackson, T. L., et al. "Pupil Block Glaucoma in Phakic and Pseudophakic Patients After Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Inhection." American Journal of Ophthalmology 132 (September 2001): 414–416.
Jacobi, P. C., et al. "Primary Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma." Ophthalmology 109 (September 2002): 1597–1603.
Jiminez-Jiminez, F. J., M. Orti-Pareja, and J. M. Zurdo. "Aggravation of Glaucoma with Fluvoxamine." Annals of Pharmacotherapy 35 (December 2001): 1565–1566.
Kumar, A., S. Kedar, V. K. Garodia, and R. P. Singh. "Angle Closure Glaucoma Following Pupillary Block in an Aphakin Perfluoropropane Gas-Filled Eye." Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 50 (September 2002): 220–221.
Lentschener, C., et al. "Acute Postoperative Glaucoma After Nonocular Surgery Remains a Diagnostic Challenge." Anesthesia and Analgesia 94 (April 2002): 1034–1035.
Schwartz, G. P., and L. W. Schwartz. "Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Secondary to a Choroidal Melanoma." CLAO Journal 28 (April 2002): 77–79.
Shields, C. L., et al. "Factors Associated with Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Eyes with Iris Melanoma." British Journal of Ophthalmology 85 (June 2001): 666–669.
Shields, C. L., et al. "Iris Melanoma: Risk Factors for Metastasis in 169 Consecutive Patients." Ophthalmology 108 (January 2001): 172–178.
Waheed, Nadia K., and C. Stephen Foster. "Melanoma, Iris." eMedicine February 28, 2003 [cited April 2, 2003]. <http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic405.htm>.
Wang, N., H. Wu, and Z. Fan. "Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma in Chinese and Western Populations." Chinese Medical Journal 115 (November 2002): 1706–1715.
organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology. P. O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120-7424. (415) 561-8500. <http://www.aao.org>.
Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). 610-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ON K1Z 8R9 Canada. <http://www.eyesite.ca>.
National Eye Institute. 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655. (301) 496-5248. <http://www.nei.nih.gov>.
Prevent Blindness America. 500 East Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. (800) 331-2020. <http://www.prevent-blindness.org>.
Wills Eye Hospital. 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. (215) 928-3000. <http://www.willseye.org>.
other
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ). Intraocular (Eye) Melanoma: Treatment January 2, 2003 [cited April 2, 2003]. <http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/intraocularmelanoma/healthprofessional>.
National Eye Institute (NEI). Facts About Glaucoma. 2001. NIH Publication No. 99–651.
Prevent Blindness America. Vision Problems in the U.S.: Prevalence of Adult Vision Impairment and Age-Related Eye Disease in America. 2002.
Tanasescu, I., and F. Grehn. "Advantage of Surgical Iridectomy Over Nd:YAG Laser Iridotomy in Acute Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma." Presentation on September 29, 2001, at the 99th annual meeting of the Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft. <http://www.dog.org/2001/abstractgerman/Tanasescu-e.htm>.
Rebecca Frey, PhD
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Iridectomies are performed by ophthalmologists, who are physicians who have completed four to five years of specialized training in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmology is one of 24 specialties recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Laser iridotomies or iridectomies are done as an outpatient procedure, either in the ophthalmologist's office or in an ambulatory surgery center. Surgical iridectomy is done in an operating room, either in a surgery center that specializes in ophthalmology or in a specialized eye hospital.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- What are the alternatives to a surgical iridectomy for my condition?
- What are the risks of my having an acute attack of closed-angle glaucoma?
- What further treatment would you recommend if an iridectomy is unsuccessful?