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Plateau iris in Asian subjects with primary angle closure glaucoma
Rajesh S Kumar1, Visanee Tantisevi, Melissa H Wong
1Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|October 14, 2009
Summary
Plateau iris was identified in approximately 30% of Asian eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and patent laser peripheral iridotomy. This finding emphasizes the role of non-pupil block mechanisms in PACG.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anatomy
- Glaucoma research
Background:
- Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is a significant cause of vision loss, particularly in Asian populations.
- Understanding the anatomical variations contributing to PACG is crucial for effective management.
- Laser peripheral iridotomy is a common treatment, but its effectiveness can be influenced by underlying iris configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of plateau iris in Asian eyes diagnosed with PACG.
- To utilize ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for detailed anterior segment imaging in PACG patients.
- To assess the contribution of plateau iris morphology to PACG in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 111 Asian subjects over 40 years old with PACG and patent laser peripheral iridotomy.
- Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed on one eye per subject.
- Standardized criteria were used to analyze UBM images, defining plateau iris based on specific anterior segment features in at least two quadrants.
Main Results:
- Plateau iris was detected in 36 out of 111 eyes (32.4%) meeting the study criteria.
- Among eyes with plateau iris, it was present in two quadrants (66.7%), three quadrants (22.2%), or all four quadrants (11.1%).
- The mean age of participants was 65.6 years, with 63.9% being female.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 30% of Asian eyes with PACG and patent laser peripheral iridotomy exhibit plateau iris.
- This prevalence underscores the significance of plateau iris as a contributing factor in PACG, independent of pupil block.
- The findings highlight the need to consider non-pupil block mechanisms, such as plateau iris, in the management of PACG in Asian individuals.
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