Pigmentary Glaucoma is a form of heritable open-angle glaucoma observed to largely afflict the male gender as compared to females. The onset of this form of eye condition mostly occurs in the age group of 20- 30 years which would make it especially perilous to a life time of normal eye sight. Myopic people are classically affected with Pigmentary glaucoma. The internal composition of the eyes in myopic people seems to don a vital role in the progress of this form of glaucoma.
Pigment Dispersion Syndrome and Pigmentary Glaucoma
Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) develops when flaking off of pigment particles which usually stick to the backside of 
the iris (colored portion of eye) occurs inside the colorless fluid manufactured in the eye (aqueous humor). At times, the pigment particles start flowing in the direction of drainage channels of the eye, gradually blocking them and increasing eye pressure. This surge in eye pressure could harm the optic nerve (nerve located in the backside of the eyes which convey optical imagery to the brain). In case this occurs then pigment dispersion syndrome would become pigmentary glaucoma.
Researchers have indicated that nearly 1/3rds of individuals having pigment dispersion syndrome would eventually contract pigmentary glaucoma. Each of these disorders has been observed to develop in older white myopic men in the age groups of thirty to fifty years. But, none of these conditions is restricted solely to such people.
Myopia and Pigmentary Glaucoma
Myopia or nearsightedness is condition typified by concave shape of the iris which produces an abnormally wide angle causing the eye’s pigment layer rubbing on to the lens. This friction action would cause shedding of the iris pigment inside the aqueous humor and inside adjoining structural areas like the trabecular meshwork. The iris pigment could clog the apertures of the trabecular meshwork that causes it to block and thus raises the intraocular pressure (IOP).
Pigmentary Glaucoma – Viable Treatment Choices
The key objective of therapy is preventing additional harm to the optic nerve by decreasing IOP. Eye care experts employ regular treatment alternatives like eye drops, other drugs, laser surgical procedure and filtering surgery.
Normally prescribed eye drops for treating pigmentary glaucoma are Timoptic, Xalantan, Betagan and Optipranlol which have comparatively lesser occurrence of side-effects and are usually ably tolerated in younger age group people.
Laser therapy (argon laser trabeculoplasty) functions effectively by facilitating opening up of the drainage system in the eye to augment fluid flow which reduces eye pressure and safeguards the optic nerve.
Physicians could additionally employ drugs like Ocusert, Pilocar that are part of a drug category known as miotics. Such drugs help in causing pupil constriction and inhibiting the iris from chafing against the supporting fibers of the lens, thus preventing additional pigment release. But, miotics carry side-effects like blurry eyesight that could restrict their usage. Miotic therapy is the preferred treatment; however such medications available as drops could be contributory to hindering visual blurriness in younger-age group people.
Providentially, a gradual-release type of drops is obtainable. Laser iridotomy is currently been researched in treating pigmentary glaucoma condition. A laser is employed for making a tiny aperture in the iris which causes the iris in moving away from the eye’s lens thus preventing fibers of the lens to scrape the pigment from the iris and plugging flow of eye fluid.
