Pigmentary Glaucoma, Bilateral: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pigmentary glaucoma is a type of open-angle glaucoma that is caused by the buildup of pigment in the trabecular meshwork, which is the drainage system for the eye. This leads to increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Bilateral pigmentary glaucoma means that both eyes are affected.
Some people are more at risk for developing pigmentary glaucoma, including those who are nearsighted, have a family history of glaucoma, and are of African American or Latino descent. Men are also more likely to develop the condition than women.
Common symptoms of pigmentary glaucoma include blurred vision, halos around lights, eye pain or discomfort, and vision loss. However, many people with the condition may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
If left untreated, pigmentary glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision. Treatment options for pigmentary glaucoma may include eye drops to lower intraocular pressure, laser trabeculoplasty to improve drainage of the eye, or surgery to create a new drainage channel.
- Eye drops: Medications such as beta-blockers, prostaglandins, and alpha-adrenergic agonists can help lower intraocular pressure.
- Laser trabeculoplasty: This procedure uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, which can help lower intraocular pressure.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage channel for the eye to help lower intraocular pressure.
If you have been diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma, it is important to work closely with your eye doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Regular eye exams and monitoring of intraocular pressure can also help prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision.