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Abstract #9234 Published in IGR 5-2
Iris transillumination of defects in patients with primary open angle glaucoma
Christen R; Pache M; Teuchner B; Meyer P; Prünte C; Flammer JEuropean Journal of Ophthalmology 2003; 13: 365-369
PURPOSE: To examine the incidence and pattern of iris transillumination defects in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with and without vascular dysregulation, in comparison to controls. METHODS: The authors prospectively examined 24 patients with POAG (M/F 10:14; mean age 59 ± 14, range 21-76 years) and 23 controls (M/F 10:13; mean age 52 ± 15, range 25-86 years). Vascular dysregulation was presumed if patients had a typical medical history of vasospasm and a pathological result on nailfold capillaroscopy. Iris transillumination defects were visualized by video-taped, digitized diaphanoscopy, and assessed by two blinded observers. RESULTS: The authors ofund significantly more iris transillumination defects in POAG patients than in controls (54.2 versus 8.7%; Χ2 = 8.85; df = 1; p = 0.002). The defects in POAG patients showed a characteristic radially-streaked pattern different from those described, for instance, in pigment dispersion syndrome, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, or acute glaucoma. Glaucoma patients with vascular dysregulation had a tendency for a higher incidence of transillumination defects than non-vasospastic patients, although this finding was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with POAG had a higher incidence of iris transillumination defects than controls. The underlying mechanisms are not yet clear and need further investigation.
Dr. R. Christen, University Eye Clinic, Basal, Switzerland
Classification:
9.2.2 Other risk factors for glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.2 Primary open angle glaucomas)