A patient with Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) may develop pigmentary glaucoma, especially if certain risk factors are present. Glaucoma is believed to occur when melanin pigment deposits obstruct outflow of the aqueous fluid.
Risk factors for development of pigmentary glaucoma in a patient with PDS:
(1) male gender
(2) severe myopia
(3) high intraocular pressure (IOP) at initial examination (> 21 mm Hg)
(4) presence of Krukenberg spindles on the posterior epithelial layer of the cornea
(5) Black race
where:
• The presence of Krukenberg spindles (melanin pigment deposits on the posterior corneal surface in a vertical spindle-shaped pattern) is associated with greater levels of pigment deposition.
• A family history of glaucoma is associated with increased risk for glaucoma.
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