What is pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma?

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Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) occurs when pigment granules that normally adhere to the back of the iris (the colored part of the eye) flake off into the clear fluid produced in the eye, called the aqueous humor. Sometimes these granules flow toward the drainage canals of the eye, slowly clogging them and raising eye pressure. This rise in eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, the nerve in the back of the eye that carries visual images to the brain. If this happens pigment dispersion syndrome becomes pigmentary glaucoma.

Studies have shown that about one-third of people who have pigment dispersion syndrome go on to develop pigmentary glaucoma. Both conditions usually occur in 30-50 year old white, nearsighted males. However, neither condition is limited exclusively to these individuals. PDS occur less often in women, and it is more likely to progress to pigmentary glaucoma in men.

Pigmentary glaucoma should be treated in the same way that other glaucomas are treated. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further optic nerve damage, by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Eye care professionals use the usual treatment options such as eye drops and other medications, laser surgery, and filtering surgery.

Here is more information on pigmentary glaucoma

Posted on January 23, 2009 4:26 PM

Comments (2)

Why would the Optometrist that diagnosed my Pigmentary glaucoma during a routine exam not give me a prescription for eye drops?? Evereything I read says eye drops should be used, the sooner the better.

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Response from the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

Unfortunately, we are unable to answer your medical questions or give medical advice, as we have only general information available about glaucoma and have no doctors on staff. As glaucoma is unique to the individual, we suggest that you refer your question to your doctor, as only your doctor who has examined your eyes can recommend an appropriate treatment for you. You may also wish to seek a second opinion from another doctor which concurs with your current doctor's assessment of your vision condition and prognosis.

Here is more information on "finding an eye doctor": http://www.glaucoma.org/treating/finding_a_docto.php

Posted by Cynthia Maki | January 27, 2009 3:12 PM

Dear all,

I am 38 years old. In Nov 2008 I have been diagnosed with pigment glaucoma. It seems to be a familiar condition. My IOP is 15 (right eye) and 23 (left eye). I am currently taken Xalatan.

My question is the following: my doctor suggests having a YAG laser iridotomy. I have been searching in different web sites and I can't find much regarding the rate of successfulness and secondary effects that this surgery has for people with pigmentary glaucoma.

I would appreciate if you could provide me with some references. Your own experience is also very welcome.

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Response from the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

Flattening of the iris following laser iridotomy for pigment dispersion syndrome can cause a decrease in iris-lens contact and angle width while lens position remains constant.

Here are links to some journal articles discussing pigmentary dispersion syndrome and laser iridotomy:

Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in pigment dispersion syndrome: an ultrasound biomicroscopic study. Br J Ophthalmol. 1998 Feb;82(2):150-3:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9613380

Intraocular pressure spike after YAG iridotomy in patients with pigment dispersion. Can J Ophthalmol. 2004 Apr;39(3):234-9:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15180139

Effect of neodymium:YAG laser iridotomy on number of aqueous melanin granules in primary pigment dispersion syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2001 Jul;239(6):411-5:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11561788

Effect of a YAG laser iridotomy on intraocular pressure in pigment dispersion syndrome. Ophthalmology. 1996 Oct;103(10):1693-5:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8874444

Posted by Judit Lisoni | February 27, 2009 12:39 AM