What is a Krukenberg spindle?

Krukenberg’s spindle represents melanin pigment forming a vertical line on the posterior central cornea in contrast to other melanin pigment depositions that tend to be more circular or diffuse in distribution (see Fig. 16.21).

How common is pigment dispersion syndrome?

Pigment dispersion syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition that affects about 1% of the population. Pigment clumps that are normally attached to the back surface of the iris (the colored part of the eye) fall off the iris into the clear fluid in the eye called the aqueous humor.

What is the risk of developing pigmentary glaucoma from pigment dispersion syndrome?

Conclusions: The risk of developing pigmentary glaucoma from pigment dispersion syndrome was 10% at 5 years and 15% at 15 years. Young, myopic men were most likely to have pigmentary glaucoma. An IOP greater than 21 mm Hg at initial examination was associated with an increased risk of conversion.

Is pigment dispersion serious?

Pigment dispersion syndrome frequently does not cause any symptoms or have many long-term side effects. However, it can increase the risk for secondary glaucoma in the form of pigmentary glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, and it is caused by damage to the optic nerve.

Why is Krukenberg spindle vertical?

Diagnosis. Pigment dispersion syndrome is diagnosed clinically based on the presence of iris transillumination defects in the mid-peripheral iris, pigment on the corneal endothelium (Krukenberg spindle, vertically oriented due to convection currents), and heavy pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork.

Can you lose the pigment in your eye?

Disease at a Glance Pigment-dispersion syndrome is an eye disorder that 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 by the eye (aqueous humor).

Can you get Lasik with pigment dispersion syndrome?

Conclusions: Corneal findings of PDS do not appear to affect the intraoperative or postoperative outcomes of LASIK. However, patients who have PDS in the context of glaucoma and therapy with an intraocular-pressure-lowering agent may experience delayed healing and a less predictable visual outcome.

Does pigment dispersion syndrome improve with age?

The onset of pigment dispersion syndrome, which is an autosomal dominant disorder, typically occurs when patients are in their early 20s, but the condition begins to regress with increasing age, enlargement of the lens, and the loss of accommodation due to the onset of presbyopia.

Can pigment dispersion syndrome cause blindness?

Pigmentary dispersion syndrome (PDS) leads to pigmentary glaucoma (PG) in approximately 35-50% of patients with the condition [1]. PG is the leading cause of non-traumatic blindness in the young adult population between 20 and 40 years of age [2].

How is pigmentary glaucoma treated?

Treatment options for Pigmentary Glaucoma are similar to Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and include medical therapy, laser trabeculoplasty, and incisional surgery with either trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implant.

Can you have Lasik If you have pigment dispersion syndrome?

Can pigmentary glaucoma go away?

Since the condition develops at such a young age, it can result in a lifetime of vision problems. Pigmentary glaucoma can be treated to slow its progress and save the victim’s remaining sight, but whatever damage occurs before treatment cannot be corrected.

Is it possible to lose pigment in your eye?

Ocular albinism is a genetic condition that primarily affects the eyes. This condition reduces the coloring (pigmentation) of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the retina , which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.