Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty (ALPI): an Update

Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is a useful procedure to eliminate appositional angle closure resulting from mechanisms other than pupillary block. For those eyes with angle closure originating at an anatomic level posterior to the iris, such as plateau iris, lens-induced angle closure, or posterior segment processes (malignant glaucoma, central retinal vein occlusion, etc.), laser iridotomy by itself may be insufficient to treat the underlying disease mechanism. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is often useful in these cases to further open the angle. It can be used to break an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma and relieve appositional angle closure secondary to plateau iris syndrome, or lens-related angle closure, and to widen the angle prior to argon laser trabeculoplasty. Peripheral location of long-duration, low-power, large spot size laser burns is essential for optimal success.