Pigmentary glaucoma is a relatively common secondary glaucoma found in young adults. It is called secondary as it is due to or secondary to another condition, which in this case is an excessive release of pigment in the front chamber or anterior segment of the eye. This condition occurs mostly in young myopic adults, that is those adults who have a minus mumbered spectacle prescription, but is not exclusive to them. It is more commonly found in males with signs usually showing up in the eye, between the ages of 20-40.
Pigmentary glaucoma occurs when freely circulating melanin pigment granules from the iris become deposited in different structures of the eye causing obstruction within the trabecular meshwork, the drain which allows aqueous humour to drain from the eye back into the circulation of the body. This obstruction leads to fluid build up which leads to elevation of eye pressure which results in glaucoma.
Early symptoms may include intermittent blurring of vision and dull ocular pain but like other forms of glaucoma this too may often go unnoticed until severe visual field loss occurs. Treatment for pigmentary glaucoma is similar to other glaucomas with some exceptions in types and timing of treatment. However, if left untreated pigmentary glaucoma can result in significant and irreversible vision damage and eventually blindness. It is extremely important to have regular examinations, especially so if you have a family history of any type of eye disease or family history of loss of vision . Your ophthalmologist will examine your eye through a slit lamp, which is a specialized piece of equipment and may request for some ocular images to be taken of the retina and optic nerve. In addition, based on your particular situation your eye specialist may ask you to undergo a perimetry examination also known as a visual field examination. While all of this sounds complex, you should remain assured that none of this is painful in any way and all our testing can be completely on site at our facility. Very often, the testing, if needed, can take place the same day as your clinic visit and the results can be discussed with you by your doctor at the same time.
Should you or anyone you know suffer these symptoms or is concerned about not seeing clearly , please contact us at The Eye Center at 03028291799, 0300 8933377 or 021 35836713; where our staff will organise an appointment for you to see our glaucoma specialist.