What Can Be Done

 

If you have been diagnosed with Krukenberg's Spindle or Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, you've got it for life. However, to avoid heightening the risk of getting Pigmentary Glaucoma, there are things that can be done.

• The first thing to remember is DON'T PANIC!! It's scary when you first find out, and the main word that sticks in your head is glaucoma. There is a chance that you will never get glaucoma - all you are doing by worrying about it is increasing your blood pressure!

 

• Once diagnosed, have regular eye checks with an opthalmic optician. The eye checks will be free in the UK as the risk of getting glaucoma has increased. Just tell them you're entitled to a free eye test (reason: glaucoma risk) when you make the appointment.

 

• Try to avoid exercise/activities that contains jogging or bouncing. The vibration can cause pigment to flake off and block/damage the meshwork covering the drainage channel, resulting in raised IOPs and damaged optic nerves.

 

• If you start to experience pain behind the eye/s, see an opthalmic optician as soon as you can, or go to the nearest hospital to get the IOP (intra-ocular pressure) measured. High pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve.

 

• If the eye pressure has increased, you may be prescribed eye drops (Xalatan - Latanoprost) to take each evening. (I have these, and they have really helped.)

 

• Try cutting down on caffeine.

Other treatments available, if the eye drops don't work, are:

• Laser treatment - the laser breaks up the particles of pigment blocking the drainage meshwork in the eye (Trabeculoplasty). This is done in the same manner as having an eye examination. Drops are put into the eye to shrink the pupil size. The laser is a very thin beam of light that 'zaps' the meshwork, creating a hole through which the fluid can escape. The zaps can be felt slightly, and causes mild discomfort at the time. The procedure takes around 10 minutes. After the operation you may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops for a short while to avoid any infection from occuring.

• Eye operation - this is done under a local anaesthetic. A new drainage channel is made so that the pressure in the eye can reduce. Again, you will be prescribed antibiotic drops to avoid infection.

Scientists are trying to find out if a specific gene is responsible for Pigment Dispersion/Krukenberg's. One day, there may be a cure!

All Content ©Copyright Tracy Armstrong 2004-2007.