Pigment dispersion syndrome and Heterochromia laser therapy

Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is a condition caused by the release of pigment from the iris pigment epithelium and the accumulation of this pigment in the anterior segment structures. Actually, pigment release occurs as a result of the continuous friction of the iris pigment epithelium on the lens and zonula. This event causes heterochromia for a while. In our clinic, we can apply different laser treatments for patients with pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS). Selective laser trabecoloplasty is beneficial especially in patients with increased eye pressure. Heterochromia laser therapy provides benefits in addition to drugs for pigmentary glaucoma and pigment dispersion syndrome.

Heterochromia’s Causes

heterochromia laser therapy

Surely, the most popular explanation for this circumstance is that it is genetically determined. This is usually caused by a benign mutation that affects the iris’ melanin pigment event. It was suggested in a very extensive investigation that central heterochromia will develop at birth. This can happen to anyone, regardless of whether they have a history of heterochromia in their family. It has little impact on net controlling power and is unrelated to any discomfort. In these circumstances, there is no need for a diagnosis or therapy. however, if you have heterochromia due to pigment dispersion syndrome or fuchs uveitis, it must be treated. As you can see in the photo, we applied heterochromia laser therapy to a patient. We proved that it can be treated for the first time in the world.

pigmentary-dispersion-syndrome

CLINICAL TRAVEL
The natural course of patients with pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma has been well established. The disease is divided into four clinical stages.

Pigment dispersion syndrome: In this stage, there is active pigment release and storage, which increases with exercise, stress, accommodation and mydriasis. There is no temporary or permanent increase in intraocular pressure.

Pigment dispersion syndrome with ocular hypertension:

In addition to the above findings, there is a temporary or permanent increase in intraocular pressure.
Pigmentary glaucoma: Along with the above findings, glaucomatous changes are seen in the optic nerve head and visual field.
Regression stage: This stage is the least diagnosed stage. In some cases, pigment begins to be cleared from the anterior segment. Pigmentation in the trabecular meshwork decreases, intraocular pressure returns to normal. Changes in the optic nerve head and visual field are not reversible. The case mimics low-tension glaucoma.

heterochromia-pigmentary-glaucoma

There are many factors that cause heterochromia, among them, patients with pigmentary glaucoma have a large place. In dark eyes, the shed pigment cells can block the angle. In this case, we apply drug treatment together with yag laser iridotomy and selective laser methods.

How is glaucoma treated?

There are three main ways to treat glaucoma.

  1. Medication

  2. Surgical treatment

  3. laser therapy

Medication

First, you lower the patient’s eye pressure, either by reducing the production of fluid in the eye or by increasing its output. There are drugs for both. These are drugs that are taken at regular intervals every day and are used for life. If the patient’s eye pressure does not decrease and the visual field narrows despite drug treatment; The treatment method to be applied is surgery. Cases apply various methods for this. Probably one of the best ways is to sit in front of a mirror and pull the lower eyelid down, putting a drop in the space between the eye and the lid. The lids should then be closed for one minute. The reason for this is to reduce the amount of drops that go to the eye spring and pass from there to the general circulation. In addition, combination of drugs and laser mostly very effective.

Surgical treatment for pigment dispersion syndrome

With surgery, you make a hole in the white part of the eye. With this hole, which is too small to be seen from the outside, you evacuate the excess fluid from the eye.

Although the treatment is mostly interrupted in patients who have had surgery, this is not possible in all patients. Glaucoma patients should have their eye pressure measured at regular intervals, their optic nerves should be evaluated, and their visual fields should be examined. Nerve fiber thickness measurements and optic nerve tomography should be performed at certain intervals in some of the cases, especially in the initial period. There is no evidence that any particular food or vitamin is helpful in the treatment of glaucoma.

laser therapy in pigment dispersion syndrome

Laser beam can be used for various purposes in the treatment of eye pressure. Firstly; It is used in the treatment of acute glaucoma crisis and to prevent the other eye from entering the crisis. This method is very successful when applied without delay. Secondly, in cases of chronic glaucoma, it is applied to the filter-like outflow channels to facilitate the outflow of the fluid made in the eye. However, the effectiveness of this method (laser trabeculoplasty) varies from person to person. Mostly, the patient continues to use the drops, but their number and frequency can be reduced. If sufficient pressure reduction cannot be achieved with laser treatment, surgical treatment may be required. Additionally, if pigment cells shed in dark eyes are blocking the angle in especially pigment dispersion syndrome , laser treatment will definitely be required here. Finally, If the laser is ineffective, surgery may be considered.

Can we correct heterochromic or impaired eye color in patients with pigment dispersion syndrome?

Lumineyes Xtra” laser eye color change surgery procedure was performed for the first time in the world by Dr.Mete to improve the eye color of a glaucoma patient and to treat glaucoma, and the results were very successful.