Iris autonomic function in acute glaucoma.

Iris autonomic function was studied by binocular infrared pupillometry in 12 patients with acute primary angle closure glaucoma (APACG) and 28 control subjects. Light reflex amplitude and resting darkness pupil diameter were reduced and miotic response to pilocarpine 0.125% drops increased in APACG when compared to controls with anterior chamber depths (ACD) greater than 2.5 mm but not when compared to controls with ACD of 2.5 mm or less. These findings suggest relative autonomic dysfunction, predominantly parasympathetic, in the anterior segment of the eye in APACG. Correlation between results of pupil tests and ACD suggested reduced autonomic function in eyes with shallow anterior chambers. Iris autonomic dysfunction in patients with APACG appears to be a reflection of shallow anterior chambers rather than a specific feature of the condition.