Iridectomy in the surgical management of eight-ball hyphema.

The complete absorption of blood in patients with eight-ball hyphema and medically uncontrollable intraocular pressure occurred after iridectomy. No intra-operative complications were noted. Six of the seven patients maintained normal IOPs without medical therapy for at least six months postoperatively. Pupillary block by the clotted blood and the tamponade effect exerted by the total hyphema on the outflow pathway are possible mechanisms of the secondary glaucoma.