Pigmentary glaucoma occurs when pigment rubs against the lens, leading to fluid buildup and pressure on the optic nerve. Symptoms include blurry vision, colored halos, and eye pain. Caucasians, near-sighted people, and those who exercise strenuously are more susceptible. Treatment includes eye drops, miotics, laser treatment, and trabeculectomy.
Pigmentary glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that occurs when the eye’s pigment layer rubs against the lens, forcing the pigment to move into the aqueous humor. This leads to a buildup of fluid, which puts pressure on the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if not detected and treated in its early stages. Once pigmentary glaucoma sets in, the disease develops rapidly. Treatment often includes eye drops, medications, and surgical procedures.
Some individuals with pigmentary glaucoma experience no symptoms at all. Some people, however, may complain of blurry vision and seeing colored halos surrounding lights after rigorous exercise. Other symptoms are in line with those experienced by glaucoma patients, including decreased peripheral vision and extreme eye pain. Also, the eyes may appear red and water excessively.
Another symptom of pigmentary glaucoma includes Krukenberg’s spindle. Krukenberg Spindle is a thin vertical band of pigments that build up on the cornea. This buildup is caused by chunks of pigment from the back of the iris. Transillumination defect of the iris is another indication of the condition of the eye. This iris defect causes a loss of pigment on the iris and the pigment is spread improperly throughout the eye.
Caucasian men are prone to pigmentary glaucoma than women, and even men usually need more radical medical treatment, including surgical procedures, to cure the disease. In addition, the disease often affects near-sighted people and generally affects people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Those who participate in strenuous exercise, such as running and playing basketball, may also be susceptible to this form of glaucoma, as rigorous exercise causes more pigment to be discharged from the iris, preventing eye drainage.
Prescription eye drops used in the treatment of pigmentary glaucoma have minimal side effects and are easy to use. Other drugs, called miotics, may also be used in the treatment. Miotics cause the pupils to become smaller, which helps reduce the amount of pigment that is released. Miotics, however, often have side effects, such as blurry vision.
In some cases, laser treatment can be used in the treatment. Argo laser trabeculoplasty involves using a laser to increase the flow of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. While this treatment works initially, patients will often report a feeling of pressure on their eyes years down the road.
Another treatment option is trabeculectomy. This outpatient procedure that takes less than 60 minutes helps drain the aqueous humor. A small flap is made in the white of the eye, allowing the aqueous humor to be absorbed into the surrounding blood vessels.
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