When an amount of pigment is released in other parts of the eye and small granules of pigment can clog the eye's drainage system causing eye pressure problems.

Treatment: If you have normal or only slightly elevated eye pressure, there is a low risk of optic nerve damage, no treatment is necessary other than visiting the ophthalmologist once a year. If there is elevated eye pressure, it is treated with medicated eye drops or laser therapy. When the IOP is so high that it damages the optic nerve, this is called “pigmentary glaucoma.” Treatment is needed and could consist of medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.