Suprachoroidal effusion following argon laser trabeculoplasty

PURPOSE: This is first report of suprachoroidal effusion occurring subsequent to argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). METHODS: Review of the records of the patients in question. RESULTS: A 77-year-old woman with bilateral pseudophakia and primary open-angle glaucoma was treated with ALT when her visual fields deteriorated despite topical timolol therapy. Although ALT was initially performed without complication in one eye, treatment of the other eye led to a choroidal detachment. This was associated with temporary reduction in visual acuity, shallowing of the anterior chamber and hypotony. CONCLUSION: Suprachoroidal effusion appears to be another complication of ALT. In the reported case, this application and its effects were temporary and resolved with conservative management.