Pigment Dispersion Syndrome

Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) ^[1] is an eye disease that can lead to a particular form of glaucoma called pigment glaucoma . The primary cause is that the pigment cells begin to peel off and separate from the surface of the iris and float in the aqueous humor and eventually begin to clog the trabecular meshwork , slowing down the drainage of the aqueous humor through it, which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure. With PDS, intraocular pressure tends to jump from time to time and then return to normal. Exercise, as has been identified, also contributes to intraocular pressure surges. When the pressure becomes so high that it creates a threat of damage to the optic nerve, then this condition is defined as pigment glaucoma. As with all types of glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve fibers, vision loss is irreversible and practically painless.

This happens quite rarely; most often among Europeans, especially men, usually suffering from myopia ; the age range is rather low: from 20 to 40 years. After 40 years for an unknown reason, the syndrome regresses until the process stops.

Any special treatment does not yet exist, it should only use conventional means to regulate intraocular pressure, such as eye drops or simple IOP reduction operations. One of these operations is the use of a YAG laser to destroy the pigment husk and reduce intraocular pressure. If it was detected early enough, the risk of developing glaucoma is significantly reduced. Also, those suffering from this problem should not engage in high-energy sports, such as long-distance running or martial arts, as strong strikes and shocks can enhance the process of separating pigment cells.