Glaucoma - Causes

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Syndromes Associated with Increased Optic Pressure and Glaucoma

Specific syndromes have been identified with glaucoma. Many have an inherited component, although in most cases other factors must be present to activate the disease process.

Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome. Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome (also known as exfoliation syndrome) is the most common condition associated with glaucoma. PEX syndrome is marked by dandruff-like flakes that accumulate on the surface of the eye’s lens. The material can clog the drainage angle of the eye and lead to build-up of intraocular pressure. People can have this condition and not develop glaucoma, but they are at high risk. PEX has a strong genetic component but other factors (possibly sunlight, an autoimmune response, or slow virus) may be needed to trigger the disease.

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Pigment Glaucoma. Pigment glaucoma starts with a condition called pigment dispersion syndrome, an inherited condition in which granules of pigment (the substance that colors the iris) flakes off into the intraocular fluid. These fragments clog the trabecular meshwork and can increase intraocular pressure.

Irido Corneal Endothelia Syndrome. In irido corneal endothelial syndrome (ICE), cells on the back surface of the cornea spread to the drainage angle, sometimes forming scars that connect the iris to the cornea.

Neovascular Glaucoma. Neovascular glaucoma is always associated with other disorders, usually diabetes, that result in abnormal formation of new blood vessels on the iris and in the drainage system.

Review Date: 06/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).