Dr. Sam Boles, an Annapolis eye doctor, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of glaucoma.
As you may or may not know, though there is no cure for glaucoma it can be managed and permanent vision loss prevented with regular treatment. This is why early detection is so important. And it helps to know what you are looking for.
Over the past several weeks, we have highlighted several forms of glaucoma, including Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Angle Closure Glaucoma, Normal Tension Glaucoma, Congenital Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma, Exfoliative Glaucoma, and Neovascular Glaucoma. This week, we are going to take a closer look at Pigmentary Glaucoma.
About Pigmentary Glaucoma
Pigmentary Glaucoma is a form of secondary glaucoma, meaning there is a distinguishable cause of increased intraocular eye pressure (IOP) – such as eye injury, infection, inflammation, side effect of certain drugs, etc. – resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. In the instance of Pigmentary Glaucoma, the distinguishable cause is pigment dispersion syndrome. The pigment granules of the eye, which normally adhere to the back of the iris, break apart into the aqueous humor, the clear fluid produced in the eye. Over time, the pigment granules flow to the drainage canals, slowly clogging them and causing eye pressure to increase, which can result in damage to the optic nerve. When this happens, pigment dispersion syndrome becomes Pigmentary Glaucoma.
Experts estimate the pigment dispersion syndrome develops into Pigmentary Glaucoma in roughly 30% of all cases.
Pigmentary Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis
Pigementary Glaucoma is often treated using eyedrops to reduce eye pressure and/or eyedrops which cause the pupil to constrict and help prevent the further release of pigment.
Additional treatment options include:
- Laser Trabeculoplasty: This laser treatment helps unclog the drainage system, which, in turn, helps lower eye pressure.
- Laser Iridotomy: Another laser procedure, laser iridotomy is used to make a small hole in the iris, which helps the iris to move away from the lens and prevents more pigment from breaking away.
To determine which treatment option is best for you, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – he/she will diagnose your specific condition and make recommendations for treatment and future glaucoma management.
Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles of the Anne Arundel Eye Center in Annapolis specializes in the treatment of both glaucoma and cataracts and has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Let him help you too!
If you have any questions about Pigmentary Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
Sources:
Secondary Glaucoma, Glaucoma Research Foundation
Pigment Dispersion Syndrome and Pigmentary Glaucoma, Glaucoma Research Foundation