Cause of Pigment Dispersion Syndrome

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to learn how pigment is released from the iris (the colored part of the eye) in patients with pigment dispersion syndrome. It will do this by examining the response of the pupil (the central opening of the iris) to a flash of light to determine what is happening in the iris to cause release of the pigment. In pigment dispersion syndrome, pigment released from the iris is deposited in other parts of the eye, including the trabecular meshwork-a filter-like tissue in the front of the eye. Aqueous fluid (fluid continuously produced by the eye) normally flows out of the eye through the trabecular meshwork. In some patients, the pigment deposits may block tiny holes in the meshwork, preventing the fluid from flowing out. This can cause an increase in eye pressure that may lead to glaucoma and some loss of vision. Understanding how pigment is released from the iris may help predict the course of pigment dispersion syndrome and identify which patients will likely develop increased eye pressure. Patients with pigment dispersion syndrome and normal volunteers may be eligible for this study. All participants will have the following procedures, which will be completed in two clinic visits: First visit 1. Examination of the front of the eyes, including the cornea, iris and lens. 2. Vision testing and measurements of visual field and eye pressure. 3. Examination of the trabecular meshwork. For this test, a contact lens is placed on the eye after the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. Second visit 1. Refraction (dilation of the pupils with drops) and examination of the back of the eyes, including the optic nerve. 2. Reaction of the pupils to low-level infrared light (pupillography). During this 15-minute test, the patient or volunteer wears a lightweight headband with two small cameras mounted on it. The cameras-one which views the eye and the other the subject's field of view-record pupil dilation and position. The test results in patie