Based on the observation of the unusual relationship between the ciliary processes and lens equator in patients with "malignant" glaucoma, a hypothetical cause for the shallowing of the anterior chamber has evolved. Using the concept of a relative block of forward aqueous flow at the lens equator as the inciting element in malignant glaucoma, the clinical response to treatment can be explained. In five of six cases where maximal medical therapy failed to relieve the malignant process, laser shrinkage of several ciliary processes was successful in reversing the posterior secretion of aqueous and restoring the anterior chamber.