AIM: To observe the short-term and long-term clinical effect of laser peripheral iridectomy(LPI)for the treatment of early angle-closure glaucoma.

METHODS: The LPI was performed on 21 cases 21 eyes with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma in preclinical stage and 15 cases 15 eyes with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma in early stage. The central anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle and intraocular pressure(IOP)were observed postoperatively. All cases were followed up for 1 year.

RESULTS: The central anterior chamber depth was significantly increased, the anterior chamber angles were wider, and the IOP was significantly decreased postoperatively in all cases. But 1 year after operation among patients with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma in early stage, the central anterior chamber depth became thinner and the IOP increased, 3 cases needed topical anti-glaucoma drops to control their IOP, 1 case was performed filterable operation after no use of drug therapy to control their IOP.

CONCLUSION:LPI is an effective method to treat acute primary angle-closure glaucoma in preclinical stage, but it is need to pay attention to choice of indications in chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma in early stage. In order to avoid further damage on visual function, all cases which were performed LPI need close follow-up.