Dr. Rahul Vaswani
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My eye doctor told me, after doing an eye scan, that I have no pigment in my sclera. She said she could see right through my eye in the scans. I cannot find anything online regarding this. I would like to know what this condition is called so I can research I also have glaucoma that is unresponsive to any drops, and trying to find out if there may be a connection. As in a genetic link of some sort. So my question is, what is the medical term for having no pigment in the white part of the eye?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I think what she meant was iris, not sclera. There is brown or black pigment in our iris. Normally, some people have blue or green. But, there this a genetic condition is known as albinism or pigment dispersion syndrome, which leads to the loss of pigments from the iris. Patients with these conditions suffer from glaucoma too. To correct glaucoma, these patients need surgical intervention like laser trabeculoplasty or trabeculoplasty. Kindly share your docs case file with me so that I can guide you better.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
These are eye scans from a previous eye doctor attached. At this time, I was considered "suspect glaucoma". I always thought albinism was associated with true albinos, but I am not. I am very fair-skinned, with white hair now at 48 (but turned white in my 30s no grey). Highly sensitive to light. So is my condition with lack of pigment associated with a lack of response to eye drops? I am just trying to educate myself as much as possible. Should I consult a specialist in glaucoma to discuss surgery next? My eye doctor is baffled. So, I am kind of venturing out on my own. Left eye pressure is 30, and 27 in the right. So far no visual field loss. I appreciate your help and advice.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Eye pressure of 30 and 27 are very high. Normal pressures are around 16 to 20. The first detectable visual loss in glaucoma is detected when about 35 % damage has already occurred. So, do not wait for the visual loss to occur. Visit a glaucoma specialist. He will do a Goldmann tonometry, field test, and a gonioscopy. After doing this, he will give your treatment options. But usually, these types of glaucoma associated with albinism or pigment dispersion are less responsive to medications alone. Either a laser trabeculoplasty or a trabeculectomy or trabeculoplasty is required (with or without a valve).
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
Related Questions
Diagnosed with Glaucoma: What Next?
Are my eye pressure values normal?
Can high eye pressure damage the optic nerve?
Is it necessary to use four eye drops to control eye pressure?
Can glaucoma and cataract be operated at the same time?
My intraocular pressure is 20 to 24 mmHg. Do I have glaucoma?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
