Pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma.
BACKGROUND
Pigmentary glaucoma is a common secondary glaucoma that results from pigment being liberated from the posterior iris with subsequent buildup in the trabecular mesh-work. Following this, there is a decrease in aqueous outflow and resultant rise in intraocular pressure.


OBJECTIVE
While this presentation typically occurs in white myopic males, there is a distinct subtype that occurs in patients of African descent. While there are similarities between the races, there are also significant differences in the clinical presentation of pigmentary glaucoma in white patients and patients of African descent. Iris transillumination defects, corneal endothelial pigment accumulation, and a concave iris-common in whites-are typically absent in patients of African descent.


METHODS
The literature is reviewed in order to summarize pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma.
Nova Southeastern University, College of Optometry, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA. jsowka@nova.edu
Joseph
J
Sowka
D044383:Black People; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D044465:White People