Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with Schwartz's syndrome following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridectomy in the management of pigmentary glaucoma

A case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated by Schwartz's syndrome following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridectomy in the management of pigmentary glaucoma is described. A 36year-old man underwent Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridectomy for pigmentary glaucoma. Three days later, he had a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The break remained open following scleral buckling with persistent subretinal fluid, "iridocyclitis," and elevated intraocular pressure. Two months later, the patient underwent revision of the scleral buckle. Following closure of the retinal break, the retina flattened, and within 2 weeks the "iridocyclitis" resolved and the intraocular pressure decreased to approximately 20 mm Hg. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment may occur following laser peripheral iridectomy, and suggests the necessity for a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the role of laser peripheral iridectomy in the management of pigmentary glaucoma.