A Novel Argon Laser Iridoplasty for Pigment Dispersion Syndrome

Efficacy of a Novel Argon Laser Iridoplasty for Management of Pigment Dispersion Syndrome Assessed by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

Pigment dispersion syndrome is a rare condition where anomalous iris configuration leads to posterior iris bowing with subsequent friction with the lenticulozonular unit resulting in dispersion of pigment from the back surface of the iris into the anterior segment as well as thinning with resultant transillumination defects in the mid iris segment. The released pigment is deposited in various parts of the anterior segment resulting in a constellation of clinical signs:

Krukenberg Spindle: Back surface of the cornea Zentmayer ring: Back surface of the lens. Egger line: Anterior vitreous face. More importantly, pigment accumulated in the trabecular meshwork leading to visible hyperpigmentation of the trabeculum seen by gonioscopy. This leads to reduction of aqueous outflow which leads to ocular hypertension or even glaucoma which is known as pigment dispersion glaucoma which is considered one of refractory glaucomas.

Current practice in the management of pigment dispersion syndrome revolves around the management of glaucoma when it develops by IOP lowering medication, Laser trabeculoplasty or peripheral iridoplastyor glaucoma surgery as a last resort. The only prophylactic measure in practice that is aimed at preventing the progression from mere pigment dispersion to pigment dispersion glaucoma is the long term use of miotic eyedrops e.g. Pilocarpine which comes with both risks and side effects i.e. the risk of retinal breaks and detachment which is even higher in a cohort which is predominantly myope, the constriction of visual field and ocular surface complications.

In this interventional case series, the investigators assess the efficacy of a novel Argon Laser iridoplasty in the management of pigment dispersion through correcting the posterior iris bowing and hence halting the dispersion process so that glaucoma wouldn't develop in the first place instead of managing glaucoma after it sets in which proved refractory.

*Study design: Interventional, longitudinal, prospective, uncontrolled case series study

**Methods:

• Population: cases of pigment dispersion syndrome/glaucoma.
• Sample size:

Not determined since it is a case series with still active recruitment.

• A series of pigment dispersion syndrome and/or pigment dispersion glaucoma cases encountered in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of Fayoum University Hospitals will be assessed clinically for confirmation of signs of pigment dispersion by slitlamp examination and gonioscopy. Intraocular pressure will be measured and monitored. Fundus examination with special attention to the optic disc will be done. Cases will be assessed prior to iridoplasty by anterior segment optical coherence tomography to document the anomalous iris configuration with subsequent serial anterior segment OCT at one week, one month and three months after iridoplasty as well as IOP measurement.

• The iridoplasty procedure will be performed as follows:

  1. Pilocarpine 2% topically is used to induce miosis.
  2. Topical ocular anesthetic is instilled.
  3. The Nidek Argon laser device together with a YAG capsolutomy or Abraham Iridotomy lens as auxilliary lenses are used.
  4. The site and parameters of argon laser applications on the anterior iris surface are tailored for each patient according to iris configuration and pupil diameter in mesopic conditions determined by anterior segment OCT.
  5. Topical Brimonidine 0.2% bid is used for one week after the procedure to guard against IOP spikes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pigment dispersion syndrome/glaucoma confirmed by either clinical signs or imaging with documented posterior iris bowing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active or history of Uveitis.
• Pupil size > 7mm in mesopic conditions.
• Previous Iris-based laser procedures e.g. Iridotomy, Iridoplasty