What abnormality is associated with iris transillumination defects?

Iris transillumination defects indicate areas where the normal pigmentation of the iris is disrupted, which can allow light to pass through these areas, revealing underlying structures in the eye. One of the primary conditions associated with such defects is pigmentary dispersion syndrome. This syndrome involves the release and subsequent dispersion of pigment from the posterior pigmented epithelium of the iris into the anterior chamber of the eye, leading to pigmentation deposits on other ocular structures, such as the corneal endothelium and trabecular meshwork.

In pigmentary dispersion syndrome, iris transillumination defects are specifically noted as the pigment is lost from the iris, resulting in lighter areas where the pigment has been shed. Understanding this relationship highlights the clinical significance of identifying iris transillumination defects, as they can be indicative of underlying ocular conditions like pigmentary dispersion syndrome. This condition can also lead to raised intraocular pressure and potentially result in glaucoma if not properly managed.