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.