Risk factors for the development and severity of glaucoma in the pigment dispersion syndrome.

The medical records of 93 patients with pigmentary glaucoma and 18 patients with pigment dispersion syndrome were studied with regard to factors associated with the presence and severity of secondary glaucoma within this population. Male gender, black race, severe myopia, and Krükenberg spindles were identified as possible risk factors. Men were predominant in this population 75 (67.6%); the diagnosis was made in men at an earlier age; they had a higher proportion in the glaucoma group; and they required more aggressive glaucoma therapy. There were only four black patients, but all required surgery. Patients in the glaucoma group had significantly more severe myopia and a higher incidence of Krükenberg spindles. These risk factors may help to identify which patients with the pigment dispersion syndrome require closer follow-up or the possible initiation of prophylactic therapy.