What causes Krukenberg spindle?

What causes Krukenberg spindle?

When a Krukenberg’s spindle is present unilaterally, ocular trauma is the usual cause; however, other causes for pigment dispersion such as a degenerating uveal melanoma must be considered. Similarly unilateral pigmentation of the anterior chamber angle may reflect the presence of a “ring” melanoma.

What causes pigment dispersion syndrome?

Pigment Dispersion Syndrome is an uncommon condition. Most commonly affected are nearsighted males between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also more common in Europeans. The cause of pigment dispersion is a mechanical rubbing between two ocular structures: the IRIS and ZONULES.

What are transillumination defects?

Definition. Transmission of light through the iris as visualized upon slit lamp examination or infrared iris transillumination videography. The light passes through defects in the pigmentation of the iris. [ from HPO]

What is an eye spindle?

Krukenberg’s spindle is the name given to the pattern formed on the inner surface of the cornea by pigmented iris cells that are shed during the mechanical rubbing of posterior pigment layer of the iris with the zonules that are deposited as a result of the currents of the aqueous humor.

What does a Pachymeter do?

A pachymeter is a medical device used to measure the thickness of the eye’s cornea. It is used to perform corneal pachymetry prior to refractive surgery, for Keratoconus screening, Cataract, LRI surgery and is useful in screening for patients suspected of developing glaucoma among other uses.

Can you dilate pigment dispersion syndrome?

Patients with pigment dispersion syndrome or pigmentary glaucoma can also experience sudden IOP spikes after pupillary dilation. The examination and treatment of these patients is similar to that described earlier for exfoliation syndrome.

Is pigment dispersion serious?

Pigment dispersion syndrome tends to affect relatively young people (20-45), most commonly Caucasians and those who are nearsighted. Many patients with pigment dispersion syndrome will develop high eye pressures and about half of those who develop high eye pressure will develop glaucoma.

What causes iris transillumination defects?

Known causes of acquired iris atrophy with or without transillumination of the iris include herpetic iridocyclitis, pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS), pseudoexfoliation syndrome, Fuchs uveitis syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, trauma, and acute angle-closure glaucoma.

What is Krukenberg spindle and how can it be treated?

Krukenberg spindle runs the course of being mild pigment dispersion syndrome to a condition known as pigmentary glaucoma where the loose pigment in the eye can plug up the drainage system leading to high intra-ocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

What causes Krukenberg’s spindle to be unilateral?

When a Krukenberg’s spindle is present unilaterally, ocular trauma is the usual cause; however, other causes for pigment dispersion such as a degenerating uveal melanoma must be considered. Similarly unilateral pigmentation of the anterior chamber angle may reflect the presence of a “ring” melanoma.

What is Krukenberg’s spindle in eye?

Krukenberg’s spindle. Krukenberg’s spindle is the name given to the pattern formed on the inner surface of the cornea by pigmented iris cells that are shed during the mechanical rubbing of posterior pigment layer of the iris with the zonular fibrils that are deposited as a result of the currents of the aqueous humor.

Does pigment dispersion syndrome cause Krukenberg spindles?

Krukenberg spindles are present in roughly 90% of patients with pigment dispersion syndrome or pigmentary glaucoma. Whether a dense Krukenberg spindle or very fine granules of pigment are present, visual acuity is not reported to be affected.

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