Pigment Dispertion Syndrome Flashcards
Describe PDS:
Release of pigment from the pigment epithelium which lines the back surface of iris and these pigment are carried by convection currents of the aqueous through to the anterior chamber and at the trab
What is the pathophysiology of PDS?
Abnormal contact between the iris pigment epithelium and lens zonules which may be caused by posterior bowing which brings the posterior iris close to lens
Is the release of pigment gradual or sudden? And is the increase of iop acute or chronic?
Generally it’s gradual and leads to chronic rise in iop
What causes a rapid release of pigment and a spike in iop? (Acute PDS)
It’s due to the px undertaking physical exertion (exercise)
What sx is associated with PDS?
It’s not usually associated with sx but px may report a sudden blurring and haloes around lights and frontal ha’s
What is the prevalence of PDS and glaucoma?
4.8/100,000
Which gender is more at risk of PDS?
Males
Which refractive error is more at risk of PDS and why?
Myopia due to having a deep anterior chamber which makes it prone to having abnormal contact between the iris and lens
Who is PDS more common in and why?
Young px’s because they are going through gradual enlargement of the lens. When middle aged, the lens has grown enough to seperate it from the posterior iris
What does the loss of pigment from the iris cause?
Radial transillumination defects
What do transillumiantiom defects appear as?
Dull red slits across the surface of the iris
Why is transillumination defects not visible in the normal eye?
Because of the thick healthy layer of iris pigment
Where are the pigments in PDS deposited on?
Posterior cornea (corneal endo)
What is the shape of pigment deposits in PDS?
Thin vertical line
What is the krukenberg spindle?
When granules of pigment are deposited in a thin vertical line
