Sympathetic denervation hypersensitivity of the iris in ocular hypertension.

Sympathetic denervation hypersensitivity of the iris was assessed in 51 patients with ocular hypertension and 36 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Significantly increased pupillary dilatation in response to topically-applied 0.5% phenylephrine hydrochloride, suggesting sympathetic denervation hypersensitivity of the iris, was present in the ocular hypertensive group (p less than 0.003). The effects of autonomic nerve function on aqueous dynamics are reviewed, and the association between autonomic dysfunction and ocular hypertension is discussed.