We report six eyes in six patients in which corneal decompensation developed 18 or more months after argon laser iridectomy (ALI). In addition to the level of laser energy used, other risk factors included performing ALI during an attack, diabetes, and a cornea damaged by glaucomatous attack. The interval between the ALI and corneal decompensation ranged from 18 months to 3 1/2 years.