Abstract

MENDEZ HERNANDEZ, C; GARCIA FEIJOO, J; CUINA SARDINA, R  and  GARCIA SANCHEZ, J. Ultrasound biomicroscopy in pigmentary glaucoma. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2003, vol.78, n.3, pp.137-142. ISSN 0365-6691.

Objective: To study the anterior chamber in pigmentary glaucoma by anterior ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and to determine the effect of the YAG-laser iridotomy on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the iris morphology in pigmentary glaucoma. Material and methods: Seven patients (14 eyes) with a diagnosis of pigmentary glaucoma were studied. YAG-laser iridotomy was performed on all the patients with demonstrable iris concavity by UBM, performing UBM one week post-iridotomy and control of the IOP at one week, six months and at one year following treatment. Results: The existence of iris concavity was demonstrated in 6 of the 7 patients (12 of the 14 eyes), performing a YAG-laser iridotomy in all of them. Remission of the iris concavity was observed in 5 of the 6 patients (10 of the 12 eyes) and good control of the IOP was achieved without additional topical treatment in 3 (6 eyes). At one year, the number of drugs needed for IOP control decreases (p<0,005, Wilcoxon test, correction for small samples). Conclusions: In our sample, the YAG-laser iridotomy rectifies the iris concavity present in pigmentary glaucoma, reducing the IOP and the number of drugs needed for its control.

Keywords : Pigmentary glaucoma; YAG Iridotomy; ultrasound biomicroscopy.