Definition of Peripheral iridectomy

Peripheral iridectomy: A surgical procedure in which a hole is made in the periphery (outer part) of the iris by removing a full-thickness piece from the iris in order to treat a specific type of glaucoma called narrow-angle glaucoma (or angle-closure glaucoma).

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22368
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012