What are Krukenberg spindles?

Krukenberg’s spindle represents melanin pigment forming a vertical line on the posterior central cornea in contrast to other melanin pigment depositions that tend to be more circular or diffuse in distribution.

What are eye spindles?

Ophthalmology. 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.

Is pigmentary glaucoma rare?

Blindness due to pigmentary glaucoma is rare. In a study of 113 patients with PDS and pigmentary glaucoma, 3 eyes in 2 patients were blind. Progression of the disease, however, is common. Ten percent of patients with PDS progressed to pigmentary glaucoma at 5 years and 15% developed pigmentary glaucoma by 10 years.

Can you go blind from pigment dispersion syndrome?

Pigment dispersion syndrome can lead to permanent damage to the drain and elevated eye pressure. Over time, the elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing pigmentary glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma can lead to vision loss and eventually blindness.

What causes 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.

What is pigmentary dispersion syndrome?

Listen. Pigment-dispersion syndrome is an eye disorder that occurs when pigment granules that normally adhere to the back of the iris (the colored part of the eye) flake off into the clear fluid produced by the eye (aqueous humor).

What causes pigmentation in eye?

The cause of pigment dispersion is a mechanical rubbing between two ocular structures: the IRIS and ZONULES. The iris is the colored part of the eye. It constricts and dilates to change the size of the pupil (depending upon the surrounding light).

How is pigmentary glaucoma treated?

The treatment of pigmentary glaucoma involves lowering eye pressure by using medications, laser, or surgery, which is similar to the treatment options for open-angle glaucoma. The usual medications that lower eye pressure for open-angle glaucoma are also used for pigmentary glaucoma.

How is pigmentary dispersion syndrome treated?

Treatment. Doctors often treat pigmentary glaucoma with eyedrops such as Betagan, Timoptic, Optipranlol and Xalatan. These eyedrops have a relatively low incidence of side effects and are generally well-tolerated in younger patients.

What are the signs of dispersion?

Symptoms

• Blurred vision.
• Colored halos around lights.
• Mild ocular pain.

How is pigment dispersion syndrome treated?

How common is pigmentary dispersion syndrome?

It is estimated that pigment dispersion syndrome develops into pigmentary glaucoma in about 30% of cases. Although pigment dispersion syndrome appears to strike both men and women at an equal rate, researchers are investigating why men develop pigmentary glaucoma up to three times more often than women.

What does Krukenberg’s spindle mean in ocular pathology?

Krukenberg’s spindle represents melanin pigment forming a vertical line on the posterior central cornea in contrast to other melanin pigment depositions that tend to be more circular or diffuse in distribution. From:Ocular Pathology (Eighth Edition), 2020

Where does the Krukenberg’s spindle get its name?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 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.

Where are the pigment granules in Krukenberg’s spindle?

Pigment granules are free in the anterior chamber (greatly increased during pigment ‘storms’). There is myopia. The anterior chamber is deep with a concave midperipheral iris, the concavity suggesting reverse pupillary block. There is mild iridodonesis.

What are the symptoms of Krukenberg spindle syndrome?

Exfoliation syndrome presents in older age group and clinical signs include peri-pupillary transillumination defects, exfoliative material on the anterior lens capsule, and more uneven pigment distribution in the angle.