DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a question regarding the eye disorder, pigment dispersal syndrome (PDS). I have never seen this discussed in your column, which I read every day.
I’m a very active and healthy 66-year-old male with no other health issues at present. I was diagnosed with this by my ophthalmologist. He told me it is in the early stages and that it doesn’t require any treatment at this point. My research has uncovered that this can potentially lead to blindness and is not curable. I also found that one who has PDS should refrain from engaging in high impact sports such as running or basketball. I am a life-long runner and wonder if my running contributed in any way to the pigments becoming dispersed in my eyes? I would appreciate any information you can provide on this disorder, its treatment and the prognosis.
I enjoy your column and have found so much useful information over the years. Thank you so much for taking the time to inform us readers about so many different health issues.
DEAR READER: Pigment dispersion syndrome is a relatively uncommon eye disorder. It presents with abnormal bowing of the iris and flaking of the pigment into the aqueous humor (liquid part of the eye). Most sufferers also have myopia (nearsightedness). It affects men and women equally.
Some pigment dispersion is normal with aging, but when it occurs in younger individuals and to a greater extent, it is known as PDS. Pigment dispersion itself isn’t a concern; however, should the pigment migrate toward the drainage canals within the eye (which moderate eye pressure), blockage can occur and result in pigmentary glaucoma (PG). Approximately 30% of all PDS sufferers will develop PG. Interestingly, nearly three times as many men as women will develop PG, despite PDS affecting each gender similarly. As with other forms of glaucoma, there is a risk of blindness if the condition is not treated or is not treated adequately.
Vigorous activity has been shown to cause more pigment to dislodge, so before continuing your running habit, discuss your concern with your ophthalmologist. Perhaps a switch to a less striking, yet equally beneficial activity such as swimming, bicycling, or elliptical training would be appropriate.
There is no cure or standard treatment for PDS. For those with severe flaking or at increased risk of developing PG, surgery to flatten the iris (the colored part of the eye) and eliminate bowing of the outer portion may reduce the amount of pigment lost. It is important to undergo regular eye exams to include retinal examination because there is an increased risk of retinal tearing, but this must be done extremely cautiously, as dilation of the pupil may worsen the pigment loss.
In those with PG, standard glaucoma treatment is usually beneficial. These include eye drops to reduce pressure or constrict dilation and laser treatment to reopen the blockage drainage system.
