What procedure is performed to create an incision in the iris to allow drainage of aqueous humor for glaucoma treatment?

Iridotomy is a surgical procedure designed specifically to create an opening in the iris, facilitating drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. This is particularly beneficial for treating certain types of glaucoma, such as narrow-angle glaucoma, where the angle formed between the iris and the cornea becomes too narrow, increasing intraocular pressure. By performing an iridotomy, the outflow of aqueous humor is improved, effectively reducing the pressure within the eye and alleviating symptoms associated with glaucoma.

In contrast, phacoemulsification is a technique used to remove cataracts by breaking up the cloudy lens and aspirating it out, which does not address aqueous humor drainage. Retinopexy refers to a procedure to reattach the retina and is not related to the treatment of glaucoma. Lensctomy, or lens extraction, involves removing the lens from the eye, which again does not directly impact the drainage of aqueous humor like iridotomy does. Hence, iridotomy is the procedure specifically indicated for creating an incision in the iris to treat glaucoma by ensuring proper drainage.