[2][1] These procedures are most frequently performed in the treatment of closed-angle glaucoma and iris melanoma.

[1] In acute angle-closure glaucoma cases, surgical iridectomy has been superseded by Nd:YAG laser iridotomy, because the laser procedure is much safer.

Opening the globe for a surgical iridectomy in a patient with high intraocular pressure greatly increases the risk of suprachoroidal hemorrhage, with potential for associated expulsive hemorrhage.

Nd:YAG laser iridotomy avoids such a catastrophe by using a laser to create a hole in the iris, which facilitates flow of aqueous humor from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye.

[3] Surgical iridectomy is commonly indicated and performed in the following cases:[citation needed]