YAG Laser Treatment Does Not Prevent Pigmentary Glaucoma

Pigmentary glaucoma is an unusual form of the disease caused by blockage in the drainage canals. Unlike primary open angle glaucoma, in which years of normal sediment accumulates in the drainage canals, the debris clogging the angle is actually pigment granules from the iris. In some people, exercise, trauma, or other events cause the granules to flake off and become suspended in the aqueous humor. Once suspended, the eye's natural current takes them to the drainage angle, where they become caught and eventually prevent drainage. With drainage decreased, pressure builds up in the eye, leading to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

One proposed treatment for pigmentary glaucoma is ND:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy, a treatment for narrow angle glaucoma that actually blasts a hole in the iris to increase drainage. A study published in the journal ophthalmology, however, seems to cast doubt on the effectiveness of this treatment method. 116 patients with pigment dispersion syndrome and elevated intraocular pressure were assigned to either laser treatment or a control group to see if fewer developed pigmentary glaucoma with laser treatment than without. Unfortunately, the study showed that there was no difference between the time to development of pigmentary glaucoma in the two groups, nor did the laser group show a reduced incidence of pigmentary glaucoma.

Although ND:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy did not function as a good preventative treatment for pigmentary glaucoma, there are fortunately several other treatment options available. To learn more about pigmentary glaucoma and its treatment, contact a local ophthalmologist today.